Chinese, Botswana Presidents Hold Talks

President Jiang meets President Festus Mogae of Botswana

President Jiang Zemin and visiting Botswana President Festus Mogae held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Monday afternoon.

They exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.

Jiang said President Mogae has paid several visits to China since 1976, and is witness to the great changes that have taken place in China since the country's reform and opening-up drive. Jiang expressed his appreciation over Mogae's great efforts in pushing forward the friendship between the two countries, stating that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 25 years ago, cooperation in the political, economic, trade and other sectors has been fruitful.

China is satisfied about the healthy growth of relations, and is grateful to the Botswana government for its pursuit of the One-China Policy and its support on the human rights issue and other issues.

Jiang Zemin Welcomes Botswana President

Mogae said the Chinese government and people have actively participated in the construction of Botswana and offered generous assistance. This fully demonstrates the friendly feelings of the Chinese people towards the people of Botswana, he said.

He noted that both the governmental and non-governmental cooperation between the two countries is now increasing, and the Botswana government hopes that cooperation with China in all fields will be further expanded.

Mogae reiterated that the Botswana government firmly supports China's national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its early reunification.

Jiang said during President Mogae's current visit, both sides would sign an agreement to encourage and protect investment while business people will hold an economic and trade forum. He expressed the hope this would play an active role to stimulate bilateral cooperation, and both sides would further explore more cooperative opportunities to push forward ties.

Jiang noted that since the independence of Botswana, its government and people have registered marked achievements in safeguarding stability, developing economy, and building the country. Botswana's experience is worth drawing upon, the president said.

He also praised the Botswana government's pursuit of the policy of non-alliance and good-neighborliness, and its proposition of sovereign equality among nations and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, its proposition to settle international disputes through negotiations and to realize regional economic integrity. China appreciates Botswana's constructive role in regional affairs, he said.

Mogae said China has made prominent contributions to the establishment of a just and rational new world order. China's proposal to convene a forum on Sino-African cooperation is timely, he said, adding this would be of great significance to discussing how to face the new challenges brought about by globalization.

After the talks, Jiang and Mogae attended a signing ceremony on several cooperative agreements, including an agreement between the two foreign ministries to establish political consulting mechanism, a framework agreement on preferential credit granting, an inter-governmental agreement to encourage and protect investment, and a cultural exchange executive plan for 2001-2003.