China, Botswana sign key agreements on security, mining, health

China and Botswana have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations through a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, with both countries committing to expand cooperation in security, mining, trade, agriculture and other key sectors.

The agreement followed talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Botswana’s President Duma Boko at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, October 13, during Boko’s state visit to China.

According to a joint statement issued by the two countries, the leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering the Global Security Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, green mining, health and human resources.

The new partnership is intended to deepen political trust, promote economic development, strengthen strategic coordination and expand exchanges between the peoples of both countries.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a longstanding relationship based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, digital technology and other productive sectors.

Xi called for increased economic and trade cooperation, highlighting opportunities presented by China’s zero-tariff measures for African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The Chinese president also encouraged greater cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture, livestock development and education, including the proposed Smart Education Project.

On mining, Xi stressed that Africa’s mineral resources should benefit African countries. He said China was willing to share its expertise and support African nations in developing mining strategies suited to their national circumstances.

He also called for the transfer of environmentally friendly technologies, greater local mineral processing and industrial value addition, as well as sustainable financing models to support development.

Xi cautioned against turning Africa’s natural resources into instruments of geopolitical rivalry, urging international partners to contribute genuinely to the continent’s development.

Boko, in turn, welcomed closer economic ties and greater Chinese investment in Botswana. He commended China’s development achievements and expressed his country’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in mining, agriculture, industrial development and technological innovation.

The Botswana president also reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the one-China principle and expressed support for closer coordination between developing countries on international issues.

The two leaders further agreed to promote exchanges between their respective governments, legislatures, political parties, local authorities, business communities and academic institutions.

They also pledged to strengthen cooperation on sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The partnership comes as Botswana marks the 60th anniversary of its independence in 2026, while China commemorates the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

The two countries established diplomatic relations 51 years ago. They said the elevation of their relationship would open a new chapter in their longstanding ties and provide a framework for mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development.

The joint statement described President Boko’s state visit as an important milestone in China-Botswana relations, with both sides committing to translate their agreements into practical results.The report is based on the official joint statement and information published by Chinese government sources.