On the evening of 29th January 2019, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo and his wife Mme. Mao Xuehong held the 2019 Chinese Lunar New Year Reception followed by the “Happy Chinese New Year Art Performance” presented by China’s Jilin Provincial Art Troupe at BDF Auditorium. Hon. Dr. Unity Dow, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation and around 200 guests including senior government officials, members of parliament, heads of diplomatic missions and representatives from Chinese community and various circles attended the event. Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao and Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation Hon. Dr. Unity Dow delivered remarks at the reception.

Ambassador Zhao sincerely wished all the guests a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year. In his remarks, he pointed out that 2018 was a memorable year which marked the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up, and also a fruitful year which ushered in a new era for China-Africa and China-Botswana relations. During this year, China continued to carry on the spirit of reform and opening-up and has achieved remarkable development. H.E. President Masisi attended the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit and paid his first state visit to China, which marked a new era of the development of China-Botswana relations.

Ambassador Zhao emphasized that 2019 is another year of significance. Chinese people will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and Botswana will embrace her 53rd independence day. The two sides should promote the comprehensive implementation of the Beijing FOCAC Summit and make concerted efforts to openness and common development, and further deepen practical cooperation in all fields.

For her part, Hon. Minister Dr. Unity Dow reaffirmed that 2018 marked a significant milestone in Botswana-China relations, and Botswana attaches a lot of importance to the constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. She commended the people-to-people interactions between the two sides and said that it is a critical tool for enhancing mutual understanding and culture exchanges. Dr. Unity Dow also gave an interview to China Central Television and extended her best wishes to the Chinese people.

After the reception, Ambassador Zhao，Hon. Minister Dr. Unity Dow and other distinguished guests enjoyed the cultural performance presented by Jilin Provincial Art Troupe with an audience of about 1,000 people. Barata Koma, a Botswana art group, also joined the event with their traditional dance and music. The wonderful performance attracted resounding applause of the audience.

Around a dozen local as well as Chinese media covered the event.