Sino-Tswana diplomatic relations celebrate golden jubilee as Chinese FM’s Africa charm offensive sweeps through Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Chad & Nigeria

8 January 2025

“Botswana affirms and appreciates the long standing relations with China.” These words were said by President Duma Gideon Boko during a courtesy call by His Excellency Mr. Shao Hong, Vice Chairperson of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Pic - BW Presidency Facebook

The Pan Afrikanist Watchman

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Botswanan President Duma Boko on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Botswana

On January 6, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Botswanan President Duma Boko to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, no matter how the international situation changes, China-Botswana relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development, and the two countries have become good friends who treat each other as equals and good partners who develop together. 

Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief that as long as the two countries adhere to sincere friendship, solidarity and cooperation, the path of development for China-Botswana relations will surely become wider, and the prospects for bilateral cooperation will surely be brighter. 

This year marks the beginning of the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi Jinping said that standing at a new starting point, he is ready to work with President Duma Boko to further strengthen bilateral political mutual trust, firmly support each other’s major concerns, jointly advance each other’s modernisation drive, and open a new chapter in the China-Botswana strategic partnership.

Duma Boko said, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is an important milestone in Botswana-China relations. He expressed his most sincere thanks to China for its profound friendship, solidarity and cooperation with Botswana over the past 50 years. 

Botswana has been greatly encouraged by China’s remarkable development achievements and believes that the strategic partnership between the two countries will bring opportunities for Botswana’s inclusive development. 

Botswana firmly supports the one-China policy, and looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual trust and respect and working together to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit to achieve common development and prosperity.

  • The Chinese Embassy in Botswana Releases the Emblem Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Botswana

January 6, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana. On this special day, the Chinese Embassy in Botswana sincerely wish for the enduring friendship between the peoples of China and Botswana!

To commemorate this special day, the Chinese Embassy has released the emblem marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana. The design of the emblem features the number “50” as the central element, with a road graphic symbolising the long journey the two countries have travelled together since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975.

It also incorporates the flags of both China and Botswana, symbolising the shared destiny and close cooperation between the two nations. The emblem represents the commitment to continue forging new paths together and building a bright future of shared prosperity.

 China and Botswana established diplomatic relations on January 6, 1975, and in 2024, the two countries announced the establishment of a strategic partnership.

Namibian President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Monday hosted an official meeting with China’s Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, describing it as an indication of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Namibia and China. (Pic NAMPA)
  • Chinese FM begins Africa visit, reaffirms strong China-Africa ties

The Chinese foreign minister’s first overseas trip of the year has always been to Africa, a longstanding tradition and a distinctive hallmark of China’s diplomacy, consistently upheld for 35 years without wavering, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on January 6.

The Chinese foreign minister’s first overseas trip of the year has always been to Africa, a longstanding tradition and a distinctive hallmark of China’s diplomacy, consistently upheld for 35 years without wavering, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Namibian President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah after arriving in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, to start his first overseas trip in the new year.

This tradition stems from the deep and enduring friendship between China and Africa, he said, noting that whether during their struggle for national independence and liberation or in the pursuit of common development through mutually beneficial cooperation, China and Africa have always understood, trusted, supported and helped each other.

By maintaining the tradition of beginning the year with an Africa visit, China aims to send a message to the world that regardless of changes in the international or regional landscape, China remains Africa’s most reliable friend, its most steadfast partner in pursuing development and revitalization, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the global stage, Wang said.

(C) Chinese embassy in Botswana

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