Chinese Ambassador Fang Yong
Cynthia Thanda
The evening of 1st December 2024 had SSKB Auditorium in Gaborone buzzing with excitement, joy filled smiles and vibrance as the Chinese Embassy was celebrating the 50th Anniversary of China-Botswana Diplomatic Relations as well as the 15th Anniversary of the Botswana- China Friendship Association.
When giving his welcome remarks. Mr. Miles Nan, Executive Chairman of the Botswana-China Friendship Association (BOCFA) spoke highly of China and Botswana’s similarities in terms of the long valued respect of the elderly and loving the young.
“We pride ourselves on our tradition of courtesy and respect, which we call Confucianism. Botswana also has its own traditional spirit, called Botho, which represents humility and respect. What is the core idea of Botho? It emphasizes human relationships.
“The people of Botswana take pride in peace, and this is reflected in the peaceful transition after the recent presidential election, which is a manifestation of the Botho spirit. The core meaning of Botho is “people,” and in the Botswana language, it is expressed as Motho ke motho ka botho—which means “a person is a person because of other people.”
In English, it means “people are people because of people.” This is similar to China’s idea of “people for people, or I am for others.” It can be said that China and Botswana share similar spirits and cultural values in many aspects.”
He emphasized that BOFCA will continue to dedicate itself to strengthening the friendship between the two nations and supporting the development strategies)of the Botswana government, as well as initiatives that benefit both of their peoples.
In his keynote speech, His Excellency Mr. Fang Yong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Botswana expressed gratitude to the long history of traditional friendship between the two countries. He further went on to talk about an art group organized by the China Overseas Chinese Federation, and composed of some famous Chinese artists which brought a fascinating gala cultural performance to the audience.
“This art group, indeed, is the first group that visited Botswana after the pandemic, and will be of great significance to promoting the excellent Chinese culture and strengthening cultural exchange between China and Botswana. In recent years, the development of bilateral relations has entered a fast-driving lane. At the Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation in September this year, China and Botswana both announced the establishment of a strategic partnership and opening a new chapter of the bilateral relations development.
“The two sides will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, and we will take this opportunity to systematically summarize the successful experience of the past, and to strengthen the practical cooperation in our views in different fields, and to benefit our people. ”
“Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, emphasizing that we should jointly advocate for respecting the diversity of world civilizations, adhering to the principle of civilization equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, and taking civilization exchange to transcend civilization barriers, civilization mutual learning to transcend civilization conflicts, and civilization inclusiveness to transcend civilization superiority.”
His Excellency further mentioned how Botswana is one of the African countries with a long history and a unique and brilliant culture and as good friends and partners, China will draw on this wisdom with its own actions, civilization, and development practices together with Botswana, creating a new situation for cultural exchange, cultural integration, and people-to-people connectivity between our two nations, and bringing more tangible results and benefits to our people, and promoting human peace and development, and advancing the construction of a community with a shared future between China and Botswana in the new era.
The Minister of International Relations, Dr Phemyo Butale graced the event with a fun introduction on how he will be learning Chinese and hoping that the Ambassador will do the same by learning Setswana thus earning a chuckle from the audience.
“The upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Botswana and China, and the 15th anniversary of the Botswana-China Friendship Association conference. These occasions mark the enduring and robust bilateral relationship between Botswana and the People’s Republic of China.
“The celebration not only highlights our strong friendship, but also reflects our shared aspirations for a prosperous future. As we reflect on the past 50 years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1975, we can see that our collaboration has grown stronger in various fields, underpinned by cooperation, understanding, and friendship between our two nations,” said the Minister.
Dr. Butale applauded China for constantly supporting Botswana’s development through sponsorship of Batswan students studying in China, initiatives that enhance Botswana’s infrastructure, promote technological advancement, and encourage cultural exchanges. The provision of scholarships for Batswana students studying in China is a perfect example of how this partnership empowers the youth of Botswana.
“These opportunities allow them to gain valuable knowledge and skills that benefit our nation. Upon their return home, these bright individuals are well equipped to drive progress and innovation, strengthening our workforce and contributing to our socio-economic development.
“I was saying to the Ambassador as we sat down that our new administration, the administration of the Second Republic, requires much more than what China has been doing. I said to him that as a government, we are in a hurry to create jobs. We are in a hurry to industrialize. So I was saying to him and all those that represent the diplomatic corps that please partner with us. We have no time.”
As a government, Dr. Butale alludes that they are committed to supporting their endeavour to strengthen the friendship between Botswana and China as well as enhancing the collaboration in sustainable development, technological innovation, and exchanges amongst the people.
The Government remains steadfast in upholding the one-China policy, and are eager to expand our cooperation in high-tech industries, renewable energy, and agriculture, these being key sectors that we believe will propel both our nations towards greater progress and a more prosperous future. He also encouraged more individuals to join DOTCORP, including Chinese students in Botswana and those dedicated to promoting the bilateral relations of the two countries.
The artists from China and Botswana who performed such as Opening Dance “Jasmine Blossoms”, Chinese Kung Fu Performance: KABO, with martial artists from the Botswana Hongshi Martial Arts Society, joined by Mao Yaping, a Chinese teacher from the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana, Traditional Chinese string instrument performed by Zhang Ye, the principal Erhu player of the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, Classic dance “Auspicious Peacock” performed by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, Mafhitlha Kgosi Dance Troupe and Botswana Sports, Art and Culture Society which included Bella Lee, Jia tingyuanzhen, Teng Leyou who are both Chinese, “Dumelang Batswana” and “Re Batswana” by Shumba Ratshega and many more brought life on the stage as they showed the passionate tribute to the profound friendship between China and Botswana.
(C) TPA2024
