China looks forward to expanding agricultural exchange and cooperation with Botswana under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and stands ready to provide assistance within its capacity for Botswana's agricultural development, Chinese ambassador to Botswana Zhao Yanbo said Friday.

Speaking at an agricultural forum in Botswana's capital Gaborone, Zhao said China has always attached great importance to the development of agriculture.

"At present, food security is threatened by three challenges -- the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the locust plagues and extreme weathers. As a result, international food production and supply have been severely affected. The food security problem has never been so alarming and countries around the world, developing countries in particular, must fulfill the urgent task of building a self-sufficient agriculture sector," the ambassador said.

China pledged to support Africa in achieving general food security by 2030 through the FOCAC.

He said China and Botswana are planning to jointly formulate Botswana's agricultural development strategy and some farmers in the country are already profiting from agricultural business with China by exporting farm products.

He also encouraged Botswana's agricultural business operators to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China Import and Export Fair to explore trade opportunities with China.