11 Feb 2018

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry has reaffirmed Botswana’s strong desire and commitment to nurturing close ties and friendship with China, which are underpinned by mutual respect and understanding between the two countries.

Officiating at the 2018 Chinese Lunar New Year reception on behalf of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, acting Minister Mr Vincent Seretse said government continues to place high premium on her existing time-tested relations with China.

“We also greatly value the vital support that government of the Peoples Republic of China continues to render to Botswana, which is geared towards complementing our own development efforts,” he said.

He noted that such generous support covered areas such as human resource development, housing and infrastructure development, grants and technical assistance as well as cultural promotion and youth development initiatives.

He further said the occasion afforded both countries to reflect on the existing bilateral relations between Botswana and China.

“I am sure you will agree with me that sometimes friends may have different views or disagreements on a particular issue. 

But this may not necessarily result in a break-up of their valued relationship,” he said.

Mr Seretse said the celebration, which was dedicated to the year of the dog, reflected a rich cultural heritage that is unique to the Chinese people.

“I admire the fact that there is great significance attached to each New Year on the Chinese Lunar calendar. 

I understand that each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals that reflect traditional Chinese culture, including how people see themselves and their relationship with the world,” said Mr Seretse.

He  noted that it was also enriching and indeed inspirational that according to the ancient Chinese traditions, a dog became one of the zodiac animals because of its close relationship with human beings and also due to its wisdom.

Mr Seretse said as such, it is widely believed in Chinese culture that people born during the year of the dog inherit some of its characteristics such as loyalty, patience and reliability.

“The richness and diversity of cultural traditions like today’s celebration deserve celebration in order to preserve their uniqueness and special identity for future generations,” said Mr Seretse.

He went on to propose a toast to the good health and happiness of President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, the long standing fruitful cooperation and friendship between the peoples of Botswana and China and to international prosperity.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Zhao Yanbo said the Spring Festival had a long history of about 500 years.

“The tradition of celebrating spring festival had been spread across the globe since China’s opening up to the outside world 40 years ago. 

The celebration has a constant theme to congratulate each other at this time of bidding farewell to the past year and welcoming the New Year,” he said.

Mr Zhao further said his fellow compatriots had done an excellent job in living side by side with their Botswana friends in a harmonious way.

He said China continued to lead the world economic growth by contributing about 1/3 of world economic growth.

“The year 2017 witnessed China’s GDP at $13 billion, with a year to year growth rate of 6.9 per cent,” he said, adding that China would continue to promote China-African cooperation with guiding principle of upholding justice while pursuing shared interests and the principle of sincerity, honesty, affinity and good faith.

“By aligning its development strategy with Botswana, China will deepen its cooperation with Botswana in areas of health and wellness, infrastructure construction, agriculture and tourism. 

China will host FOCAC summit in Beijing in September 2018, which will afford an extraordinary opportunity for developing China-Botswana relations,” said Mr Zhao.

He expressed hope that both sides would seize the golden opportunity to move bilateral relations in a positive development momentum.

The night was lit up with various performances of Chinese cultural activities that also saw some Batswana taking part in them to show the cultural relations between the two countries.

Some Chinese nationals also performed Setswana traditional dance. Ends