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Botswanian President Mogae Meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing

2007-01-09 00:00

On January 8, 2007, Botswanian President Festaus Mogae met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

Mogae spoke highly of the Botswana-China relations. Mogae said Botswana and China currently have very good relations and the cooperation between the two countries is forging ahead in various fields. It is a tradition for the two countries to exchange views on issues of common concern through high-level reciprocal visits, he said, adding that such visits have become increasingly frequent in recent years, further promoting all-round bilateral cooperation. Mogae thanked the Chinese government and people for their assistance and support for Botswana's economic and social development. He also congratulated on the success of the Beijing Summit of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and spoke highly of the positive achievements acquired at the summit. Botswana is ready to work with China to implement the follow-up actions of the summit, he added.

Li said he was glad to visit Botswana on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. He said the Botswana-China relations have enjoyed healthy development over the past 32 years. The two peoples have shown sympathy and support to each other and established a profound friendship with fruitful cooperation in all areas. The Chinese government attaches great importance to its relationship with Botswana and is willing to work with Botswana to expand contacts between the two countries' governments, parliaments, political parties, non-governmental organizations and youths, to push forward bilateral friendly ties, he said.

Li arrived in Gaborone on January 7 for his official visit to Botswana. He also held talks with Botswanian Foreign Minister Mompati S. Merafhe on issues of common concern and both sides reached broad consensus. Merafhe reiterated that Botswana supports China's reunification efforts and will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. Following the talks, both sides signed the 2007-2009 plan for implementing the agreement on cultural cooperation between the two governments and other documents.

On the morning of January 8, Li left Gaborone, concluding his seven-nation Africa tour at the beginning of the New Year.

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