On 20th February 2020, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo paid a courtesy call on Hon. Phandu Skelemani, Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on China-Botswana relations and practical cooperation between the National People's Congress of China and the National Assembly of Botswana. Ambassador Zhao also briefed Speaker Skelemani on the latest updates of COVID-19 and China’s prevention and control measures.

Ambassador Zhao conveyed the congratulatory message from H.E. Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, to Hon. Phandu Skelemani on being elected as the new Speaker. Ambassador Zhao said that China-Botswana relations have achieved rapid development on the basis of profound traditional friendship, and the legislatures of two countries have maintained good communications. China will work with Botswana to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, align the Eight Major Initiatives with the development strategies of Botswana, deepen exchanges between the two legislatures, and promote the bilateral relations to a new high. On COVID-19, Ambassador Zhao pointed out that the Chinese government always puts the safety and health of the Chinese people and the people of the world first. Since the onset of the epidemic, the government has taken the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures, and launched a people’s war against the epidemic. With China’s all-out efforts and the firm support from the international community, visible progress has been made. China will continue to work with Botswana and the international community so as to defeat the epidemic at an early date.

Speaker Skelemani asked Ambassador Zhao to convey his sincere thanks and best wishes to H.E. Li Zhanshu, and said that Botswana-China friendship enjoys a long history. The National Assembly of Botswana always attaches great importance to the development of friendly and cooperative relations with the National People's Congress of China, and is committed to promoting mutually-beneficial cooperation in various fields between the two countries. On behalf of the National Assembly, Speaker Skelemani expressed deep sympathy to the Chinese government and people on the COVID-19 epidemic, and appreciated China's timely and effective prevention and control measures, which demonstrated China's high sense of responsibility as a major country in the world. He said that Botswana has full confidence in China's capability to defeat the epidemic, and will contiune to cooperate with China on epidemic prevention and control.