08 Jul 2015

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says there is no tension in diplomatic relations between the governments of Botswana and China.

A press release from the ministry says relations between the two countries remain excellent and mutually beneficial.

It further states that the recent visit to China by Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi was at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Yi and that it was intended to further strengthen and deepen the existing bonds of friendship between Botswana and China.

The release highlights that the visit afforded the two ministers an invaluable opportunity to discuss issues of bilateral, regional and global nature, and that the discussions were held under an atmosphere characterised by mutual trust and respect.

It says China, which is now the third largest trade partner of Botswana and the second largest consumer of Botswana diamonds, is of strategic importance to Botswana as it has a lot of potential opportunities that Botswana can exploit to drive her development agenda, such as trade, foreign direct investment (FDI) and development assistance, to mention but a few.

It also states that Dr Venson-Moitoi also had the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Chinese Vice President, Mr Li Yuanchao who pledged the People’s Republic of China’s support towards Botswana’s development agenda. Ends