Poverty eradication, job creation remain objectives of Botswana-China relations: minister

The Botswana-China diplomatic ties remain characterized and guided by the objectives of human development, poverty eradication and job creation, Botswana's international affairs minister said Tuesday night.

Unity Dow, the southern African country's international affairs and cooperation minister, made this observation at the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city.

"I note with satisfaction that human development, poverty eradication and job creation remain the guiding objectives of our cooperation," said Dow at an event attended by members of the Chinese community in Botswana.

The ceremony that marked "a historic milestone of a lifelong, meaningful and sustained partnership between our two countries," as alluded to by Dow, saw a visiting Chinese art troupe entertaining the audience.

"It is most heartening that our relations, which continue to flourish, have been underpinned by common values of mutual understanding, respect, trust and a shared principle of pursuing people-centered economic growth and development," she said.

It is thus important that as the Botswana and China take stock of past and present achievements in the two countries' relations, both countries should also re-commit to propel "already excellent relations to greater heights in the new decade," said Dow.