Beijing:Chinese President Xi Jinping and Botswana’s President Duma Boko have announced the elevation of their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. The announcement came after the signing of agreements covering areas such as the Global Security Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, green mining, health, and human resources.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the joint statement was made following bilateral talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during President Boko’s state visit to China. President Xi emphasized the enduring nature of the China-Botswana friendship, likening it to diamonds, which are significant to Botswana.
President Xi recalled Botswana’s support in the 1970s for the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat at the United Nations. He highlighted the mutual advancement towards modernization and the potential for strengthening their longstanding friendship and contributing to global development.
The Chinese leader also expressed the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries’ governing parties, including sharing governance experiences and aligning development ideas. He underscored China’s support for Botswana’s development path tailored to its national circumstances and proposed expanding economic and trade cooperation.
Xi encouraged Botswana to take advantage of China’s zero-tariff treatment for African countries diplomatically aligned with Beijing. He identified areas such as the digital economy, agriculture, livestock development, and the Smart Education Project as priorities for cooperation to advance Botswana’s economic and social progress.
In the mining sector, Xi proposed a framework focusing on African ownership of resources, mutual benefits, high-quality development, and a fair investment environment. He emphasized the importance of African countries deciding how their resources are developed and expressed China’s willingness to provide expertise and support.
President Boko praised China’s development achievements and affirmed Botswana’s commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to Taiwan’s independence. He welcomed greater Chinese investment in Botswana, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative, and expressed readiness to collaborate on multilateralism and global governance reforms.