China and Botswana Seek Closer Cooperation in Digital Technology and AI

On the afternoon of October 15, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Botswana’s President Duma Boko, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Li said that China and Botswana enjoy a deep-rooted traditional friendship and that bilateral relations have maintained positive momentum in recent years through their joint efforts. Two days earlier, President Xi Jinping and President Boko met and charted a new blueprint for deepening bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Botswana, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to further consolidate political mutual trust, firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly advance development and revitalization to deliver greater benefits to both peoples.

Li noted that China is willing to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Botswana, better harness the complementary strengths of their economies, make full use of mechanisms such as the bilateral joint economic and trade committee, and deepen cooperation in mining, digital technology, green energy and artificial intelligence to achieve more tangible results. The two sides can further utilize policy measures such as China’s zero-tariff treatment and “green channels” for exports to China to bring more high-quality Botswanan products into the Chinese market, upgrade their bilateral investment protection agreement, and expand and improve two-way trade and investment. They can also broaden people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education, youth affairs, culture, tourism and healthcare to foster closer understanding and friendship between their peoples. China is ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Botswana and other African countries, implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, and inject fresh momentum into building a China–Africa community with a shared future.

Boko said that Botswana greatly admires China’s remarkable development achievements. During this visit, he and President Xi Jinping elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a milestone in their relationship. Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle and appreciates China’s strong support and assistance for its economic and social development. Botswana is willing to make full use of China’s zero-tariff policy, expand trade with China, and further strengthen practical cooperation in infrastructure, technological innovation, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges and education. Botswana supports the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and is ready to enhance multilateral coordination with China to achieve common development.

Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting.

Source: Xinhua News Agency (Xinhuanet)