GABORONE, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's Minister for State President, Defense and Security Moeti Mohwasa on Wednesday hailed China's development achievements and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation at the celebration of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Speaking at the Chinese National Day reception at the Chinese Embassy in Botswana, Mohwasa described China as "a constant friend and a reliable development partner."
"Botswana and China enjoy longstanding friendship founded on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and a shared commitment for development," said Mohwasa, thanking China for its many contributions to Botswana's economic and social development, particularly in the health and infrastructure sectors, as well as in capacity building.
Mohwasa said China continues to be a source of inspiration to many countries, particularly those on the development journey. While embracing modernization, China has remained deeply rooted in its values, continuing to promote social harmony, he noted.
Botswana seeks to learn from China's achievement in improving the living standards of its people, and poverty alleviation, as the southern African country pursues its own development agenda, seeking investment and partnerships in projects under the Botswana Economic Transformation Program to expand economic cooperation between the two countries, said Mohwasa.
He also highlighted the valuable people-to-people exchanges, particularly through education, skills development, cultural exchanges and institutional cooperation, which serve to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen bonds of friendship between the two peoples.
Through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) established in 2000, China and African countries have strengthened cooperation across key areas, including infrastructure development, trade and investment, agriculture, education, health, industrialisation and human capital development, said Mohwasa. "This enduring partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing and improving the livelihoods of our peoples."
On China's zero-tariff policy extended to 53 African countries holding diplomatic relations with China, he said, "This important initiative opens new opportunities for Botswana to expand its exports, strengthen trade, and deepen our economic cooperation with China."
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said China-Botswana cooperation has made fruitful progress under the FOCAC framework. In the first half of 2026, bilateral trade volume reached 852 million U.S. dollars, a year-on-year increase of 58.6 percent.
The Khoemacau Copper Mine Expansion Project is expected to contribute positively to Botswana's industrialization and socio-economic development, having created approximately 4,500 jobs for local communities. The Jwaneng 100 MW Solar Power Plant has officially commenced operations, helping to ease Botswana's electricity shortage and strengthen the country's energy security, said the ambassador.
The two sides also organized a series of activities in Botswana to celebrate the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, he said, adding that China-Botswana relations will continue to go from strength to strength. ■