Botswana–China partnership poised for brighter future
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday October 8, 2025 05:52
Yong made the remarks during the 2025 'China and Botswana Shine Together' – Mid-Autumn Festival and Food Carnival, which was held on Sunday at Epic River in Molapo Estates.
In his address, Yong said that the new government of Botswana, under the leadership of President Duma Gideon Boko, is actively responding to changes in the international economic environment, committed to economic transformation and diversified development.
Meanwhile, he stated that China is achieving remarkable progress with each passing day in advancing Chinese modernisation.
'This will undoubtedly unlock new development opportunities for every country around the world, including Botswana. Moving forward, China will partner with Botswana to reinforce our mutual political trust, integrate development strategies, deliver mutual benefits, and foster shared learning,' he continued.
Yong was confident that through their concerted efforts, the strategic partnership between China and Botswana is poised for a brighter future of exceptional promise.
He also said that over the past 50 years, Botswana–China bilateral relations have continuously consolidated political mutual trust based on traditional friendship, and practical cooperation in various fields has borne fruit, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries.
He stated that China has actively provided support to Botswana to the best of its ability.
'Over the past 50 years, more than 60 projects were implemented in various ways in Botswana, including renovating railways, building roads, constructing housing, establishing primary schools, donating epidemic prevention supplies and providing medical services,' he added.
He gave an example of the Chinese Medical Team working in Francistown.
According to the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, since 1981, 17 groups of doctors and nurses have been sent to work in local hospitals, with a total number of over 500 medical staff.
More than three million patients have received diagnosis and treatment from them, and new medical technologies and equipment have been introduced, he added.
He elaborated that in the fields of youth, education, and culture, their exchanges are growing increasingly closer.
'There are two Confucius Institutes in Botswana – one at the University of Botswana (UB) and another at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST),' he continued.
Yong also mentioned that more than 15,000 residents have enrolled in Chinese language and culture courses at these institutes.
Speaking about the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana said it is a traditional celebration and cultural symbol of the Chinese nation.
He stated that since ancient times, customs such as worshipping the moon, eating mooncakes, and drinking osmanthus wine have been observed on this day.
It is also intertwined with beautiful myths like Chang'e flying to the moon and staying there with a rabbit, and Wu Gang cutting the osmanthus tree on the moon, he added.
Yong emphasised that the festival embodies the Chinese people's deep yearning for reunion and happiness with family and friends, as well as their heartfelt wishes for national prosperity and peace.