Chinese Ambassador H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo Meets with Minister of Health and Wellness

2020-02-21 15:57

On 21st February 2020, Chinese Ambassador to Botswana H.E. Dr. Zhao Yanbo met with Hon. Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Health and Wellness of Botswana, and briefed Dr. Kwape on the latest updates of China’s prevention and control of COVID-19. The two sides also exchanged views on further epidemic prevention and control cooperation.

Ambassador Zhao said that China has achieved visible progress on the prevention and control of COVID-19. The number of newly confirmed and suspected cases in Wuhan, other cities in Hubei, and other provinces in China have declined continuously, and the cure rates have largely improved. The Chinese side has full confidence and capacities to win the war against COVID-19 at an early date. Ambassador Zhao emphasized that the Chinese side pays high attention to the status of Batswana students in Wuhan. Local governments and universities are doing everything they can to look after them and address their individual needs. The Botswana government and parents can rest assured that the students are safe and sound.

Dr. Kwape thanked Ambassador Zhao for sharing the updates, and pointed out that it’s very important to have continuous communication with the public about COVID-19 in order to avoid the spread of rumours, so he shares the epidemic information with the nation everyday on radio. Dr. Kwape said he has learnt that the Batswana students in Wuhan are taken good care of by the local governments and universities by calling some of them, and expressed his sincere thanks to the Chinese side. He appreciated the significant contribution of China to global public health security, reconfirmed Botswana’s solidarity with China in the fight against the epidemic, and expressed his full confidence in China's capacities to win the battle.

Mr. Solomon Sekwakwa, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Morrison Sinvula, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Health and Wellness, and Mr. Yang Xunlei, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy also attended the meeting.