Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Meets with President Ramaphosa, Discussing Bilateral Relations andUpcoming Forum
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 29 (Xinhua)– Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town on August 28, according to the Chinese Embassy in SouthAfrica. The meeting was attended by President Ramaphosa’s office director, Mr. Singh, and Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Magwenya.
During themeeting, Ambassador Wu Peng highlighted the strong and deepening comrade-plus-brother special friendship between China and South Africa, emphasizing that the bilateral relationship has entered a golden age under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and PresidentRamaphosa. He also expressed China’s anticipation of President Ramaphosa’s attendance at the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
President Ramaphosa, in turn, conveyed his sincere greetings to President XiJinping through Ambassador Wu Peng. He expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing support for South Africa’s economic and social development and wished the FOCAC summit a resounding success.
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the commitment of South Africa’s new government to maintaining a friendly policy towards China. He expressed a strong desireto strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China, expanding and deepening practical collaboration in areas such as trade and investment, infrastructure, and renewable energy. This, he believes, will further propel the development of bilateral relations.
The meeting comes at a crucial time, with the FOCAC summit scheduled to be held in Beijing. The forum, which is a key platform for China-Africa cooperation, is expected to focus on promoting economic development, infrastructure development, and technological cooperation between China and African countries.
China and South Africa have enjoyed a strong and multifaceted relationship for decades, characterized by mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to multilateralism.The two countries have collaborated on various fronts, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange.
The meeting between Ambassador Wu Peng and President Ramaphosa underscores the significance of the China-South Africa relationship and its potential for further development. It also highlights the importance of the upcoming FOCAC summit in strengthening ties betweenChina and Africa and fostering a shared future for all.
Background on China-South Africa Relations:
China and South Africa established diplomatic relations in 1998, shortly after the end of apartheid in South Africa. Since then, the two countries have developed a strong and multifaceted relationship, characterized by mutual respect, shared interests, and a commitment to multilateralism.
The two countries have collaborated on various fronts, including:
- Trade and Investment: China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $40 billion in 2023. Chinese companies have invested heavily in South Africa,particularly in infrastructure, mining, and manufacturing sectors.
- Infrastructure Development: China has played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, railways, and power plants.
- Cultural Exchange: The two countries have fostered strong cultural exchanges, with regular visits by artists,musicians, and academics.
- Multilateral Cooperation: China and South Africa have worked together in international organizations such as the United Nations, the BRICS group, and the G20.
The strong relationship between China and South Africa is a testament to the shared values and common interests of the two countries.The upcoming FOCAC summit is expected to further strengthen this relationship and pave the way for a brighter future for both countries.
【source】http://www.chinanews.com/gj/2024/08-29/10276403.shtml
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