On 16th July 2020, Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo handed over anti-pandemic supplies donated by Professor Peng Liyuan, First Lady of China, on behalf of the Chinese government to Mrs. Neo Masisi, First Lady of Botswana. The handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Preisdential Affairs. Acting Minister of Presidential Affairs Hon. Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, Wife of Ambassador Zhao Mme. Mao Xuehong and Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Mr. Wang Bangfu also attended the event.
Ambassador Zhao said in his remarks that the donation made by Prof. Peng to African countries including Botswana through the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) aims at supporting local women, children and youth in the COVID-19 response, which vividly demonstrates China-Africa friendship and solidarity through thick and thin. At the height of China's battle against the coronavirus, President Masisi and Botswana friends from all walks of life voiced support for China. Since the onset of the pandemic in Botswana, China was the first to provide assistance with batches of medical materials as well as experience-sharing without reservation.
Ambassador Zhao said that faced with the common enemy of mankind, both the Chinese and Botswana governments have put people's life and health first and taken effective measures to contain the coronavirus, contributing to global anti-pandemic cooperation. As Botswana has entered a new normal featuring both pandemic control and economic recovery, vulnerable groups should be given more attention. In addition to the medical supplies, the Chinese Embassy also donated 1,000 blankets to the Office of the First Lady to bring warmth to those in need in this winter. With solidarity and cooperation, we will achieve the final victory against the pandemic and embrace the spring that is sure to come.
Mrs. Neo Masisi shared her fond memories of accompanying President Masisi on his state visit to China and attendance at the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit. She said that at the sidelines of the Summit, she attended the China-Africa meeting on HIV/AIDS prevention and control and had a friendly and pleasant exchange with Prof. Peng. And today, after two years, she was glad to "meet" Prof. Peng again through receiving her donation from China. Mrs. Neo Masisi expressed her sincere and profound thanks to Prof. Peng and the Chinese government for the strong support rendered to Botswana's fight against COVID-19. She also thanked the Chinese Embassy for the blankets which, according to her, came in handy for those in need in this cold winter. She said that as defeating COVID-19 required work in solidarity at national, regional and continental level, Botswana will continue to work with China to minimize the impact of the pandemic.
Ambassador Zhao and Acting Minister Mthimkhulu signed the Handover Certificate on behalf of the Chinese government and the Botswana government respectively. Daily News, BTV and other local media covered the event.
