Gaborone, Botswana – In a grand reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Fan Yong delivered a keynote address that underscored the achievements and future aspirations of China, while also celebrating the strengthening of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana.
The event, held on the eve of Botswana’s Independence Day and attended by notable dignitaries, including Honorable Minister Kabo Morwaeng, marked a momentous occasion for both nations. Ambassador Fan Yong, newly appointed as the Chinese Ambassador to Botswana, welcomed guests with warmth and gratitude, emphasizing the deepening ties between the two countries.
Reflecting on China’s remarkable journey over the past 75 years, Ambassador Fan highlighted the nation’s transformation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. He noted China’s significant economic growth and social stability, acknowledging its role as a global economic engine. “China’s contribution to world economic growth was around 30% from 2013 to 2023,” he stated, underscoring the robust recovery with a 5.0% GDP growth in the first half of 2024.
Ambassador Fan also celebrated China’s success in eradicating absolute poverty by 2021, a decade ahead of the UN’s schedule, and reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development and global cooperation.
A significant highlight of the address was the recent Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. Under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” China and Africa renewed their partnership, adopting the Beijing Declaration and the Action Plan. President Xi Jinping’s announcement to elevate bilateral relations with African countries to strategic partnerships marked a new era of cooperation.
The ambassador detailed the ten partnership actions initiated by China to advance modernization in Africa over the next three years, pledging 360 billion Chinese yuan to support these initiatives. These actions aim to foster mutual learning, trade prosperity, industrial cooperation, and more, aligning with the shared aspirations of the Chinese and African people.
President of Botswana, H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi’s attendance at the summit was a testament to the valued relationship between the two nations. The productive meeting between President Masisi and President Xi Jinping established a strategic partnership, setting a new milestone in China-Botswana relations.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Fan expressed his commitment to further enhancing the China-Botswana partnership, particularly as the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations approaches. He vowed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and health care, reinforcing a partnership built on mutual trust and common development.
In closing, Ambassador Fan proposed a toast to the enduring friendship and promising future of China and Botswana, wishing prosperity and well-being for both nations. The evening concluded with a celebratory spirit, marking a historic chapter in China-Botswana relations.
“祝愿我们的祖国繁荣昌盛，人民幸福！祝各位来宾安康如意!” he concluded, wishing for the prosperity and happiness of all.
