BEIJING, June 19 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao met here with Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, Botswanan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on Friday.

Li said bilateral ties strengthened steadily since China and Botswana established diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

China attaches importance to cooperation with Botswana, he said, noting that China is willing to work with Botswana to strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance trust and cooperate more in the economy, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Venson-Moitoi said Botswana is willing to cooperate more with China.

She is paying a visit to China from Tuesday to Sunday.