Botswana president meets with Chinese FM on bilateral ties

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Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi met with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

The visit takes place in the context of a long-running tradition under which Africa has been Chinese foreign ministers' first overseas tour destination each year since 1991.

"Mr. Wang Yi's visit to Botswana also affirms China's intentions to strengthen relations with Botswana," Batlhalefi Leagajang, press secretary to President Masisi said, adding that it is also in line with the commitment made by the leaders of the two countries to further consolidate their historically friendly relations.

Botswana's relations with China dates back to January 6, 1975. The upcoming visit coincides with the 46th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Wang is on a five-nation tour in Africa – his first overseas trip in 2021 from January 4-9. Botswana was Wang's third stop following visits to Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Wang is next scheduled to visit Tanzania and the island nation of Seychelles.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency