GABORONE, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale on Saturday said that community events such as sports matches can enhance cultural understanding and people-to-people ties between Botswana and China.
Butale made the remarks at a friendly basketball game between the Chinese community in Botswana and local players, held on the outskirts of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.
He said the event followed a successful state visit to China by Botswana's President Duma Boko, adding that people-to-people interaction forms the foundation of cooperation between states, and that activities such as community games give people a chance to understand each other's cultures and identify areas for joint work.
"We need more of such activities. We need more of such games between our two communities," he said.
He also praised China's rapid development, including its industrialization and poverty reduction efforts, adding that Botswana was eager to learn from China as it pursued its own industrialization and job-creation goals.
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said friendship between peoples is an essential foundation for strong relations between nations, and that the final score in the friendly basketball match mattered less than the friendship taking root between the two communities.
Organized by the Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana and local partners, the friendly basketball game served as part of the events celebrating the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. ■