Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale speaks at the reception for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Botswana, in Gaborone, Botswana, Sept. 4, 2025. China has made significant contributions to Botswana's development over the past 50 years, Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale said Thursday at a reception marking the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties between the two countries. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)

GABORONE, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- China has made significant contributions to Botswana's development over the past 50 years, Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale said Thursday at a reception marking the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Delivering a speech at the reception in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, Butale highlighted China's support, particularly in human resources development, health, financing, trade, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges, noting that five decades of friendship have delivered tangible benefits for the people of Botswana.

"This jubilee celebration marks a remarkable milestone in our bilateral journey, a journey built on the foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared commitments to cooperation, a moment that reminds us not only of how far we have come, but also the promises that lie ahead," said the minister.

Recalling high-level exchanges and reiterating Botswana's adherence to the one-China principle, Butale said the two countries' leaders had earlier this year exchanged congratulatory messages, voicing optimism for the future of the bilateral relations and pledging to pursue win-win cooperation.

He called for translating this vision into practical and concrete steps for shared prosperity. "Botswana embarks on an ambitious economic transformation program that will depend on strong partnerships and investment, including that from China, to drive our aggressive industrialization agenda," he said, adding that the country looks to draw from China's expertise in technological innovation, development planning, and poverty eradication.

Relations between the two countries were elevated to a strategic partnership during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. Butale noted that the China-proposed 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit provide a solid framework for deepening cooperation in areas aligned with Botswana's development priorities.

"The FOCAC continues to serve as a vital cornerstone of Botswana's relations with China, providing a platform not only for national development, but also for the facilitation of regional integration and advancement of the African continent as a whole," said the minister. "Botswana also looks forward to deepening collaboration with China in the multilateral forum."

He expressed confidence that China can contribute significantly to building a just and equitable global order that safeguards the interests of developing countries. "Our government is committed to fostering stronger, result-oriented bilateral relations with China, relations that respond to the challenges of today and meet the aspirations of generations to come," said Butale.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said the celebration underscores the two countries' commitment to carry forward their legacy of cooperation and jointly forge ahead into the future.

"We must work together to enhance the synergies of our development strategies and promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in areas such as new energy, agriculture, minerals, local governance, tourism, and health," Fan said.

Facing today's global challenges, he added that China and Botswana should stand firmly together to uphold fairness and justice, practice true multilateralism, and strengthen solidarity among Global South countries.

China, he said, will continue to work hand-in-hand with Botswana to help build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

About 200 guests, including government officials, university representatives, diplomats, and members of the Chinese community and enterprises in Botswana, attended the reception, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Botswana and Botswana's Ministry of International Relations.

China and Botswana established diplomatic ties on Jan. 6, 1975. ■

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong speaks at the reception for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Botswana, in Gaborone, Botswana, Sept. 4, 2025. China has made significant contributions to Botswana's development over the past 50 years, Botswana's Minister of International Relations Phenyo Butale said Thursday at a reception marking the golden jubilee of diplomatic ties between the two countries. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua)