On April 27, 2009, Botswana's President Ian Khama made positive comments on the traditional friendship with China during his meeting with Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun. The president also hailed the sound development of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Khama said China has long been offering development aid in various fields to Botswana and the mutually beneficial cooperation conducted by Chinese businesses in Botswana in recent years has strongly promoted the national construction of the country. Khama said his government will resolutely adhere to the one-China policy and remain committed to pushing bilateral friendly relations to a new level. He also noted Botswana highly appreciates the support and assistance that China has been actively offering to other developing countries at a time when the country itself is hit by the global financial crisis.

Zhai said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained healthy, smooth development with the joint efforts of both sides, pointing to the fruitful cooperation in the areas of economy, trade, education and culture. China appreciates President Khama and his government for attaching importance to developing ties with China, he said. China is ready to continue joint efforts with Botswana to push bilateral friendly relations for greater development.

Zhai arrived in Gaborone on April 26 for a three-day working visit to the country. During his stay in Botswana, Zhai also met with Botswana's Vice President Mompati Merafhe and held talks with Foreign Minister Phan Skelemani. Both sides had in-depth exchanges of views on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern and reached broad consensus.