GABORONE, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Botswana hosted an event Wednesday featuring speeches and Chinese talent show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with China.
The event, at Maru-a-Pula School, a secondary school with an international enrolment in Gaborone, the capital, was organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana. It also included performance of martial arts, tongue twisters in Mandarin, poem recitations, and songs and dances.
Under the theme of "My Stories with China," the speeches covered the speakers' experience of learning the Chinese language, their travels in China, and their work at Chinese enterprises, with some terming China as "my home," "my second home."
Some shared their marvel at China's modern infrastructure such as high-speed rail, delicious Chinese food, and the convenience of mobile payment in China.
Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Fan Yong said that the relationship between China and Botswana has evolved into a strategic partnership. "Our nations have become good friends who treat each other as equal and good partners."
"China and Botswana are both important members of the Global South," Fan said, adding that the two countries should "seize new opportunities and work together to enhance the synergy of our development strategies."
He encouraged more and more Chinese enterprises to participate in Botswana's projects to create more jobs for local people, expressing confidence that more and more Botswana people will love China and Chinese culture, which will in turn enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Maria Nnyepi, deputy vice chancellor at the University of Botswana, said "learning the culture of China sharpens the talents of our people in Botswana," and the growing partnership and cross-cultural exchanges between the two countries over the past 50 years have benefited people with skills sharpened and respect shown toward each other.
About 300 people attended the event, including Botswanan government officials, college and school staff, as well as representatives from the Chinese embassy, the Chinese medical team, and Chinese enterprises in Botswana.
A single purchase
