Beijing, June 13th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Phenyo Butale, member of the National Executive Committee of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Minister of International Relations of Botswana. 

Liu noted that the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo were successfully held these days, calling them important measures for China and Africa to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC. Liu said, since China and Botswana established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, bilateral relations have always maintained sound momentum of development, despite the changes in the international landscape. Last year, the two heads of state upgraded China-Botswana relations to a strategic partnership, charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Botswana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns, strengthen the docking of development strategies, and promote cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, and culture under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC, so as to promote greater development of China-Botswana and China-Africa relations. 

Liu noted that the CPC and the UDC are both ruling parties shouldering the historical mission of building the party and developing the country. The CPC is willing to, together with the UDC, strengthen political dialogue, enhance mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, strengthen exchanges in cadre training, and promote practical cooperation in various fields through the "political party +" channel. The world today is fraught with turbulence. Unilateralism, protectionism, and power bullying have severely impacted the international order. Global South countries, including China and Botswana, should strengthen solidarity and coordination, work together to meet common challenges, firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and inject more stability and positive energy into the world. 

Butale said, the peoples of Botswana and China have enjoyed a long-standing friendship. Botswana expresses gratitude to the CPC, the Chinese government, and the Chinese people for the selfless help with the economic and social development of Botswana and other African countries over the long term. Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle, which it regards as the cornerstone of Botswana-China relations. Botswana stands ready to work with China to strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors under the framework of the FOCAC, to jointly usher in another remarkable 50 years of Botswana-China relations. Botswana is committed to advancing industrialization, economic diversification, improving infrastructure on a large scale and creating more employment opportunities. With the support of our Chinese friends, we are confident in realizing these aspirations. Trade wars benefit no one. Botswana appreciates China's steadfast efforts in upholding the international order and stands ready to enhance coordination with China in upholding multilateralism and safeguarding international fairness and justice. China's achievements have inspired Botswana. The UDC looks forward to strengthening exchanges with the CPC and learning from China's experience. 

Li Mingxiang, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present.