Gaborone — A spectacular display of 500 drones lit up the Gaborone night sky on Tuesday, showcasing the enduring friendship and growing bilateral ties between China and Botswana.

Hosted by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at the University of Botswana stadium, the event attracted more than 450 people and formed part of celebrations marking the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and Botswana's 60th anniversary of independence.

The drones formed colourful images and symbols depicting the cultural, historical and diplomatic ties between the two countries.

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The presentation opened with an outline of Africa, followed by the Botswana flag, a diamond topped by a dove and an outline of President Duma Boko.

The display then shifted to iconic symbols from both countries, including the Great Wall of China, the Okavango River, Chinese porcelain, a zebra, panda and elephant.

Other formations included Shaolin martial arts, a baobab tree, Chinese pine, an opera mask and a Botswana traditional dancer, highlighting the two countries' rich arts and cultural heritage.

The drones also depicted a Chinese knot alongside a Botswana woven basket, representing traditional craftsmanship, before showcasing solar power and a high-tech satellite to symbolise innovation and technology.

The spectacle concluded with an image of rain falling across the night sky, followed by the Chinese character Fu, meaning blessings and good fortune.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Fan Yong expressed hope that initiatives of this nature would further strengthen China-Botswana relations and create greater opportunities for Batswana.

He described the drone light show as a demonstration of China's enduring friendship with Botswana and a celebration of the strong bonds between the two countries.

BOPA