On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of International Relations of Botswana Dr. Phenyo Butale in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that the friendship between China and Botswana has withstood the test of history. The two sides firmly supported each other during the years of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism and now stand united in cooperation on the path toward modernization. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, carrying great significance in building on past achievements and opening up a new future. China values the mutual trust and friendship between the two countries and supports Botswana in exploring an independent and self-reliant development path. China is ready to work with Botswana to summarize experience, strengthen planning, promote mutually beneficial cooperation to yield more fruitful results, and open up a new bright prospect for bilateral relations, helping Botswana accelerate its development and rejuvenation. China is also willing to further expand market access for Botswana and explore cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, energy, manufacturing and processing, and health care.

Wang Yi stated that in the face of the current complex and turbulent international landscape, it is essential for China and Africa to strengthen solidarity, speak with one voice, and form a consistent stance to resist unilateralism and protectionism, and to prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. China is ready to work with Botswana and other African countries to successfully hold the upcoming Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators, deliver on the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and continue to make new progress in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, so as to add new momentum to South-South cooperation and set a new benchmark.

Dr. Phenyo Butale said that China is an important strategic partner of Botswana, and the high-level cooperation between the two countries is of great significance. Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to fully leverage the role of the China-Botswana Joint Economic and Trade Commission, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, implement the ten partnership actions, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and elevate Botswana-China relations to a new level. Fairness, justice, and multilateralism are especially important for small and medium-sized countries. Botswana and China share similar views on major international and regional issues. Botswana highly appreciates China's global contributions and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, enhance Africa-China cooperation, and jointly respond to complex geopolitical challenges.