On the afternoon of October 13, 2026, the Chinese President held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with President Boko of Botswana, who was on a state visit to China. The two heads of state announced the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Chinese President pointed out that in the 1970s, Botswana had already voted to support the restoration of China's legitimate seat in the United Nations before the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Now both sides are moving forward hand in hand on the path of pursuing the dream of modernization, continuing to write a new chapter of China Botswana friendship. The friendship between China and Botswana should be as brilliant and lasting as diamonds. Both sides should remember the path of interdependence and support, walk the path of development of China Botswana relations in the new era, and contribute to the development and progress of the world.

  This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the 60th anniversary of Botswana's independence. The ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen cooperation, deepen the exchange of governance experience, and enhance the integration of ideas. China supports Botswana in pursuing a development path that is in line with its own national conditions. Both sides need to further improve the framework of economic and trade cooperation, and make good use of the new opportunities brought by China's comprehensive implementation of zero tariffs on African countries with diplomatic relations. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Botswana in the fields of digital economy, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc., implement smart education projects, and assist Botswana's economic and social development.

The Chinese President put forward four proposals to promote cooperation in the mining industry between China and Africa: firstly, to adhere to the premise that African resources belong to Africa for cooperation. China is willing to share its own experience and help African countries formulate mining development plans that are in line with their national conditions. The second is to adhere to the cooperative concept of balancing righteousness and mutual benefit. China will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to enhance their operational capabilities, transfer green technologies that are in line with African realities, and promote South South cooperation in mining development. The third is to adhere to the direction of cooperation for high-quality development. China will continue to promote the transformation of China Africa mining cooperation towards industrial value-added, explore affordable and sustainable innovative financing models, and use high-level cooperation to assist Africa's modernization process. Fourthly, we must adhere to a fair and open cooperation environment. Africa's resources should not be used as tools for geopolitical struggles. China is pleased to see that all parties sincerely support Africa's development and is willing to work with Africa to create more suitable conditions for enterprise investment and operation.

Boko stated that under the strong leadership of the Chinese President, China has achieved remarkable development achievements that have attracted worldwide attention. China has lifted all impoverished people out of poverty and embarked on a successful development path with Chinese characteristics, which is worth learning from and drawing on for Bo Fang. The Bo side attaches great importance to its relations with China and will firmly adhere to the One China principle, oppose separatist schemes for Taiwan independence, and oppose any forces interfering in China's internal affairs. Botswana appreciates China's long-term support and assistance for the development of Botswana, and is willing to strengthen the docking of development strategies with China, welcome more Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in Botswana, strengthen cooperation in the Belt and Road, industry, agriculture, mining, innovation, digital transformation and other fields, and promote more tangible results in bilateral relations.   Botswana is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with China, adhere to multilateralism, strengthen solidarity among developing countries, promote solidarity and cooperation between Africa and China, and make the global governance system more inclusive and representative.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation documents in implementing the global security initiative, jointly building the the Belt and Road, green minerals, health, human resources and other fields. During the visit, the two sides issued the Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the the Republic of Botswana on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.   When Boko arrived, the ceremonial soldiers lined up to pay their respects. The two heads of state stepped onto the reviewing stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Botswana, and 21 salutes were fired at Tiananmen Square.    

Wang Yi participated in the above-mentioned activities.Editor/Gong Ziwei