1. The 82-year-old Tibetan leader is due to speak at the three-day "Mind and Life Dialogue" conference in Botswana's capital Gaborone on 19 August.
2. On 14 July, Chinese foreign ministry said it had firmly opposed Botswana for permitting the Dalai Lama visit and asked it to "accommodate China's core interests".
3. On China's objections, Botswana Foreign Minister Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi told lawmakers that "the principle of non-interference in the international affairs of other countries is at the core of China's foreign policy." "We therefore expect... China to respect our sovereign decision on this matter," the Minister said and expressed hope that the visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader will not affect the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
China slams Botswana for going ahead with Dalai Lama's visit; says will not accept foreign interference