12 Feb 2026

The Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year as commonly known,  denotes cultural connection and enduring friendship between nations, an occasion that has remained a time-honoured tradition, symbolising renewal, reflection and fresh beginnings, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Moeti Mohwasa has said.

Speaking at the festivities of the Chinese New Year in Gaborone, Tuesday, Minister Mohwasa  said the  occasion brought communities together and served as a reminder of the universal values of harmony, humanity and mutual support that binds all.

“As we embrace the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse, let us know that it associates with unity, perseverance, strength and coordination and resonates with the spirit of cooperation and progress that defines relations between China and Botswana,” he said.

He said looking ahead, there was optimism that the Year of the Horse would bring renewed energy, prosperity for businesses, happiness for families and expanded cultural collaboration.

 

“I am confident this year will open new doors for sustainable development, economic growth and lasting friendship for the mutual benefit of our nations,” said Mohwasa.

 Celebrating alongside members of the Chinese community, Mohwasa acknowledged the community’s role in promoting cultural exchange and highlighted drama, poetry, cuisine, music and the preservation of Chinese heritage as important bridges of friendship.

He said the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, built on mutual trust and collaboration had yielded tangible benefits in education, health, infrastructure, trade, investment and cultural exchange.

“The presence of the Chinese community at this year’s celebrations is a testament to the depth and maturity of our bilateral ties,” said Mohwasa.

He commended the Chinese community for its contributions to Botswana’s economic, social and cultural development, citing entrepreneurship, investment and skills transfer as key drivers of growth.

China’s Ambassador to Botswana, Fan Yong, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Botswana.Ambassador Fan expressed appreciation for Botswana’s longstanding support for China–Botswana relations, and that 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Over the past half-century, the two countries have built strong political mutual trust and achieved fruitful outcomes through practical cooperation.

Fan highlighted frequent high-level exchanges over the past year, including visits to China by Botswana’s Speaker of the National Assembly and several Cabinet ministers, as well as a visit to Botswana by a senior delegation of the Communist Party of China.

He also said several cooperation agreements were signed, including memoranda on development cooperation, economic and technical cooperation and a protocol on Botswana’s beef exports to China.

Furthermore he said Botswana had also joined initiatives on international economic and trade cooperation within the frameworks of the digital economy and green development.

The developments demonstrate the deepening of the China–Botswana strategic partnership and reflect broader efforts to build a China–Africa community with a shared future.

Ambassador Fan noted that 2026 would mark the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.

He added that 2026 had been designated the Year of China–Africa People-to-People Exchanges, creating new opportunities to promote cultural understanding and strengthen ties between the peoples of China and Africa. BOPA