In talks with two leaders from continent, he also calls for strengthening exchanges, promoting equality

'Strong friendship' of people of Botswana not forgotten

China and Botswana should enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation to raise bilateral ties to a new level, President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday.

China is ready to seek greater synergies in development strategies with Botswana and welcomes the Botswanan side to actively take part in the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi told Masisi, who is in Beijing for a state visit and the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which will be held on Monday and Tuesday.

The two countries should promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and step up cooperation in the protection of wild animals, he said.

"I paid a visit to your country eight years ago, and I experienced in person the strong friendship from the people of Botswana to the Chinese people," Xi said.

He said China appreciates efforts by the government of the southern African nation toward bilateral friendship as well as its deepening of cooperation with China across the board.

The two sides should step up high-level visits and strengthen the exchanges between governments, legislative bodies and local levels, as well as those regarding governance experience, he said.

The two countries should also provide mutual understanding and support on issues relating to respective development paths, core interests and major concerns, Xi said.

He added that the two sides should strengthen communication and coordination over international and regional affairs and jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.

Masisi said Botswana has maintained friendly relations with China since its independence in 1966, and the Botswanan people appreciate the precious help from the Chinese side in infrastructure construction, medical care and livelihood projects.

Botswana hopes to borrow from China's experience in development and poverty reduction, he said.

Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates the support China has provided to Africa in anti-colonialism, fighting for national independence and national development, he said.

Masisi said Botswana supports the "great concept" of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, and will remain committed to expanding bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.