China, Botswana Sign Cooperation Deals

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) meets with Botswana's Vice President Mompati Merafhe in Gaborone, capital of Botswana, Nov. 21, 2010. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

GABORONE, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Botswana signed three cooperation documents here on Sunday.

Under the Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation, China is to provide an assistance worth 40 million RMB (around 6 million U. S. dollars) to the Southern African country.

The second is a MOU between Botswana Power Corporation and China Development Bank and Golden Concord Group on cooperation in infrastructure and energy development.

The third is also a MOU for financial projects between the Botswanan government and the Export-Import Bank of China.

Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and his Botswanan counterpart Mompati Merafhe attended the signing ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, Xi and Merafhe held talks on boosting bilateral relations.

During the talks, Xi spoke highly of the traditional friendship between China and Botswana, saying the marked progress in bilateral trade and economic cooperation has benefited both sides.

"Botswana is China's trustworthy friend and partner, China values the friendship with Botswana," Xi was quoted as saying by a press release issued by the Chinese delegation.

Xi put forward a three-point proposal on elevating bilateral ties, including enhancing mutual political trust, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchange.

He also proposed that both countries strengthen coordination on climate change. Xi, among others, pledged that China would continue to provide scholarships and training programs for students from Botswana.

Merafhe said Xi's current visit embodies the brotherly friendship between the two countries, which would lift the bilateral ties to a higher level.

He expressed thanks for China's long-term assistance to African countries like Botswana, according to the press release.

The vice president also hoped that more Chinese companies could invest in Botswana, thus boosting the bilateral economic cooperation.

Botswana is the final leg of Xi's four-nation trip to Asia and Africa.

Source: Chinaview