On July 2, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Botswana hosted a reception for the China Medical Teams to Botswana, bidding farewell to the 17th team and welcoming the 18th team. Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Botswana, Dr. Tshepo Machacha delivered remarks. Around 150 people, including Mayor of Gaborone, Mayor of Francistown, senior officials from Ministry of International Relations and Ministry of Health, Minister Counselor Tao Lili and Counselor Lan Yuqiang of the Embassy, members of the 17th and 18th China Medical Teams, overseas Chinese and representatives of Chinese enterprises participated in the event.

Ambassador Fan Yong noted that the 17th China Medical Team had successfully completed its mission, and expressed the hope that the 18th team would continue to carry forward the spirit of the China Medical Teams and contribute to the development of bilateral relations. Ambassador Fan also stated that, under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China will continue to advance health partnership and promote health cooperation with Botswana so as to better benefit the people.

Dr. Machacha spoke highly of the bilateral health cooperation, thanked the 17th China Medical Team for the outstanding contributions in treating local patients of Botswana, and extended a warm welcome to the 18th China Medical Team. He also expressed the expectation for further strengthening of health and medical cooperation between the two countries.