Parliament of Botswana hosted a delegation from China led by the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, Hon. Shao Hong who is also the Executive Vice Chairperson of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society to the People’s Republic of China. The purpose of their visit was to hold official talks with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse. They also paid a courtesy call to the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko. The Speaker of the National Assembly, took the delegation on an informative oration of Parliament. He explained the legislative and oversight role played by Parliament saying, Parliament plays an oversight role on the Executive to see if the laws are implemented properly and also to ensure that public policies yield the intended objectives. He cited that one of the most important policy that Parliament looks at would be the Foreign Policy. He further said, Parliament has to ensure that the Foreign Policy is pursued in a manner that benefits the citizens and to ensure that relations that have been built over the years are preserved. Honourable Speaker went on to acknowledge China as a friend and a key strategic partner in our developmental trajectory as a country. He indicated that we have had good diplomatic relations and cultural exchange with China. He further said, his hope is that Parliament of Botswana will also have relations with the Chinese legislative body to exchange ideas and see how our people can be helped. He thanked the delegation for choosing Botswana as one of their destinations of choice and acknowledged that there is a lot they can learn from Botswana and that there are very good lessons to learn from China as well. Leader of the Chinese delegation, Hon. Shao Hong, thanked the Speaker for the hospitality and they received and congratulated the Speaker on his election to the office. He also congratulated Botswana for holding successful elections and for the peaceful exchange of power. The delegation was on a four-day visit to Botswana and they had an opportunity to be hosted by the former Chairman of Ntlo ya Dikgosi who is also Kgosikgolo of Batlokwa, Kgosi Puso Gaborone at the Batlokwa Royal Kgotla. They left the country this afternoon.

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