January 6 2010 is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Botswana. Over the past 35 years, bilateral ties have witnessed sustained, rapid and sound development thanks to the joint efforts of both sides. Based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, respect and trust, especially under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which known as FOCAC, China and Botswana have fruitful cooperation on economy, trade, human resource development, cultural exchanges and coordination in international arena. I wish to take this opportunity to look back this great relationship, and I believe with this information I present, both of our two peoples will be more confident on the future of our bilateral relationship.
Exchanges on the political level lay a solid foundation for relationship progresses between China and Botswana. Leaders of both countries attach great importance to the exchanges of development experience and views on international affairs. Since 1975 the diplomatic relations was established, the two countries have exchanged high-level delegations to visit each other. Chinese Vice Premier Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Huang Ju and other senior officials from China visited Botswana successively. The three leaders of Botswana, President Seretse Khama, President Ketumile Masire and President Festus G Mogae all paid visits to China respectively.
