On 5th February 2020, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo met with Minister of Health and Wellness of Botswana Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape. Both sides exchanged in-depth views on the latest situation of the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak and the cooperation on prevention and control of the epidemic.
Ambassador Zhao said that the Chinese government always puts the people's lives and health first and attaches great importance to the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus. The fact is that since the onset of the outbreak, China has taken unprecedentedly strict prevention and control measures, many of which far exceed WHO recommendations and the International Health Regulations requirements. China now is mobilizing the whole nation to effectively control and mitigate the epidemic, and visible progress has been made. The number of cases cured has notably exceeded that of fatalities from 1st February and the number of suspected cases has dropped for two days in a row, which shows that the epidemic is preventable, controllable and curable. We will continue to work with Botswana and the international community to fight against the epidemic with all-out efforts.
Health Minister Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape extended sincere sympathy on behalf of the Botswana government and people to the Chinese government and people over the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, and conveyed firm support for China's efforts against the epidemic. Minister Kwape fully recognized the strong epidemic control measures China has taken, highly commended China's responsible attitude in containing and mitigating the outbreak, and expressed full confidence in China's capability to ultimately prevail over the outbreak. He said that Botswana stands ready to further enhance cooperation with China and win the battle against the virus with concerted efforts.
Hon. Sethomo Lelatisitswe, Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr. Solomon Sekwakwa, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Wellness and Mr. Yang Xunlei, the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy also attended the meeting.