Chinese VP visits Botswana

BABOKI KAYAWE
Staff Writer | Tuesday November 16, 2010 00:00

Jinping is expected to meet with President Ian Khama and Vice-President Mompati Merafhe on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of existence of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

This inaugural visit of a Chinese Vice-President to Botswana, will see exchange of views on further developing bilateral relations, enhancing mutual beneficial cooperation in various areas and on other issues of common concern of both parties.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, Liu Huanxing said the visit will further strengthen the existing cooperative relations between the two countries.

'Some agreements on economic cooperation will be signed during the visit,' the Ambassador to said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Botswana in 1975, the two countries have enjoyed sustained and sound exchanges and cooperation in areas of trade and investment, economy, culture and educational exchanges.

Trade and technical cooperation serve as a driving force in boosting the bilateral relations between the countries.

In educational exchanges, the Chinese government has sponsored about 300 Botswana officials and technicians to attend seminars, workshops and short-term training programmes in China. These programmes cover areas of administrative management, commerce, information, media and sports among others.

'Cooperation in education between the two countries has gained much strength under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation mechanism, especially after the Beijing Summit in 2006,' Huanxing said.

Currently, 29 Batswana are pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies under the Chinese Government Scholarships in the academic year of 2010/2011.