09 Feb 2015

The Chinese community in Botswana and Batswana on Sunday February 8 celebrated bilateral relations which marked 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It was in January 6, 1975 when China and Botswana established diplomatic relationship, which unveiled a new chapter between the two countries.

In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of China to Botswana, Mr Zheng Zhuqiang said that the friendly and mutual beneficial cooperation in all fields was fruitful and had brought tangible benefits to two countries.

He said that in the past 40 years, cultural exchanges between the two countries have always been shining aspect of bilateral relations.

“It is cultural exchanges which provide enormous opportunities for strengthening of mutual understanding between our two people, cultural exchange is a bridge which can bring our hearts and minds closer,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth, Sport and culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng said that Botswana attaches great importance to its relations with china characterised by mutual support and mutual beneficial relations.

He said that the assistance included amongst others, grants, interest free loans and concessional loans.

“Botswana continues to benefit from the cultural exchange programmes with China thus strengthening the cultural links as well as people to people contact,” he said.

Mr Olopeng cherished Chinese Happy Spring Festival Art Troupe for coming all the way from China for superb performance. The Art troupe is well known in China and has performed in over 20 countries. Their performance included Chinese martial art, acrobatic, folk music, dance and others.

Liu Bin and Man Yan gave a superb performance of acrobatics ballet on the shoulder which shocked many of Batswana audience as it was their first time to see that which they believed it was only seen on movies.

The former President, Dr Festus Mogae, Assistant Minister of Local Development and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, Minister of foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi and Kgosi Puso Gaborone of Batlokwa. ENDS