Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, October 13 (Reporter Cao Jiayue) On the afternoon of October 13, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with President Boko of Botswana, who was in China for a state visit. The two heads of state announced that they would upgrade their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Xi Jinping pointed out that in the 1970s, before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Botswana voted for New China to resume its lawful seat in the United Nations. Now the two sides are moving forward hand in hand on the road to pursue the dream of modernization and continue to write a new chapter in the friendship between China and Botswana. The friendship between China and Botswana should be as bright and lasting as a diamond. Both sides should bear in mind the "road ahead" of mutual dependence and support, follow the "broad path" of the development of China-Botswana relations in the new era, and contribute to world development and progress.
Xi Jinping emphasized that only those who are "like-minded" can achieve "unity". This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 60th anniversary of Botswana’s independence. The ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen cooperation, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance, and enhance the integration of ideas. China supports Botswana in taking a development path that suits its national conditions. The two sides should further improve the economic and trade cooperation framework and make good use of the new opportunities brought by China's comprehensive implementation of zero tariffs with African countries that have diplomatic relations with Africa. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Botswana in the fields of digital economy, agriculture, animal husbandry and other fields, and implement "smart education" projects to help Botswana's economic and social development.
Xi Jinping put forward four propositions on promoting China-Botswana and China-Africa mining cooperation: First, adhere to the premise of cooperation that African resources belong to Africa. China is willing to share its experience and help African countries formulate mining development plans that suit their national conditions. The second is to adhere to the cooperation concept of mutual benefit and mutual benefit. China will continue to encourage Chinese companies to improve their operational capabilities, transfer green technologies that are in line with Africa's realities, and promote South-South cooperation in mining development. The third is to adhere to the direction of cooperation for high-quality development. China will continue to promote the transformation of China-Africa mining cooperation into industrial value-added, explore affordable and sustainable innovative financing models, and support Africa's modernization process with high-level cooperation. Fourth, we must adhere to a fair and open cooperation environment. Africa's resources should not be used as tools in geopolitical struggles. China is happy to see all parties sincerely assist Africa's development and is willing to work with Africa to create more suitable conditions for business investment and operations.
Boko said that under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved world-renowned development achievements. China has lifted all impoverished people out of poverty and has embarked on a successful development path with Chinese characteristics, which is worthy of Botswana's in-depth study and reference. Botswana attaches great importance to its relations with China and will firmly adhere to the one-China principle, oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist attempts, and oppose any force interfering in China's internal affairs. Botswana thanks China for its long-term support and assistance to Botswana's national development, and is willing to work with China to strengthen the alignment of development strategies. It welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Botswana and strengthen cooperation in the fields of "One Belt and One Road", industry, agriculture, mining, innovation, and digital transformation, so as to promote more tangible results in bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping proposed four major global initiatives at a time when the world is facing major challenges, which demonstrates the responsibility of major powers and is conducive to maintaining the international order with the United Nations at its core. Botswana is willing to coordinate closely with China, adhere to multilateralism, strengthen unity among developing countries, promote unity and cooperation between Africa and China, and make the global governance system more inclusive and representative.
After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents in the fields of implementing the global security initiative, jointly building the "Belt and Road", green minerals, health, and human resources.
During the visit, 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, Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming ceremony for Boko and his wife Kaone in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
When Boko arrived, soldiers lined up to salute him. The two heads of state boarded the reviewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Botswana, and a 21-gun salute was fired in Tiananmen Square. Accompanied by Xi Jinping, Boko inspected the honor guard of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and watched the parade.
That night, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan held a welcome banquet for Boko and his wife at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Wang Yi participated in the above activities.
