President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana
On the afternoon of October 13, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state made the announcement to elevate bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
President Xi noted that Botswana voted in support of restoring the People’s Republic of China’s lawful seat in the United Nations in the 1970s before the two countries established diplomatic ties. Today, the two countries are marching side by side on the journey toward modernization, writing a new chapter in bilateral friendship. China-Botswana friendship should shine bright and endure like diamonds. The two countries should remember the journey of mutual assistance they have traveled together, stride ahead in the new era on a broad path for the development of bilateral ties, and contribute to world development and progress.
President Xi observed that a common direction brings people together on the same road. This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 60th anniversary of the independence of Botswana. The two governing parties should strengthen cooperation, deepen experience-sharing in state governance, and foster greater convergence of ideas. China supports Botswana in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. The two sides should continue to develop the framework for economic and trade cooperation and seize the new opportunities emerging from China’s zero-tariff treatment for African countries having diplomatic relations with China. China is ready to enhance cooperation with Botswana in areas such as the digital economy, agriculture and the livestock industry and carry out the Smart Education Project to support economic and social development in Botswana.
President Xi put forth a four-point proposition on China-Botswana and China-Africa mining cooperation. First, the starting principle should be African resources belonging to Africa. China stands ready to share its experience and help African countries formulate mining development plans consistent with their national conditions. Second, the guiding philosophy should be a right approach to friendship and interests and ensuring mutual benefit. China will continue to encourage Chinese companies to enhance their operational capacity, transfer green technologies suited to Africa’s conditions, and promote South-South cooperation in mining development. Third, the direction of cooperation should be high-quality development. China will continue to move China-Africa mining cooperation toward industrial value addition, explore new financing models that are affordable and sustainable, and support Africa’s modernization through high-standard cooperation. Fourth, a fair and open cooperation environment is crucial. Africa’s resources should not be used for geopolitical rivalry. China would be glad to see other parties providing genuine support for Africa’s development, and stands ready to work with Africa to create more enabling conditions for business investment and operation.
President Boko said that under President Xi Jinping’s strong leadership, China has made remarkable development achievements. China has lifted all its people out of poverty and opened a successful development path with Chinese characteristics, which is a good example for Botswana to follow. Botswana attaches great importance to its relations with China, will stay committed to the one-China principle, oppose any separatist attempt to seek “Taiwan independence,” and oppose any interference in China’s internal affairs. Botswana appreciates China’s long-term support and assistance for its national development, hopes to further align their development strategies, and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest and operate in Botswana, so as to enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and work together in industrial development, agriculture, mining, innovation, and digital transformation to deliver more tangible outcomes in bilateral relations. President Xi’s four global initiatives in response to global challenges demonstrate the great sense of responsibility of a major country and contribute to the U.N.-centered international order. Botswana is ready to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to uphold multilateralism, strengthen solidarity among developing countries, advance Africa-China solidarity and cooperation, and make the global governance system more inclusive and representative.
Following the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents, including on the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, Belt and Road cooperation, green mining, health, and human resources.
The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Botswana on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Before the talks, President Xi Jinping and Mme. Peng Liyuan held a welcome ceremony for President Duma Gideon Boko and Mrs. Kaone Tumalano Boko at the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Guards of honor lined up in salutation as President Boko arrived. With the two heads of state on the viewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of the two countries. A 21-gun salute was performed on the Tian’anmen Square. President Boko reviewed the guard of honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watched the march-past in President Xi’s company.
On the same evening, President Xi and Mme. Peng held a welcome banquet for President and Mrs. Boko at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Wang Yi was present at the above events.
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