Chinese President Xi Jinping will exchange views with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern and discuss the blueprint for developing bilateral relations during his visit to South Africa, injecting strong impetus into the construction of a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry's spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press briefing in a query about what to expect from Xi's upcoming visit to South Africa.

Xi is set to pay a state visit to the country from August 21 to 24 after attending the 15th BRICS Summit, which is to be held in Johannesburg, the largest city of South Africa.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. 

Noting South Africa is a comprehensive strategic partner of China and the first African country to participate in the Belt and Road cooperation, Wang said that the relationship between the two countries has realized leapfrog development with growing global impact over the past 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

During the BRICS Summit, Xi will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue with Ramaphosa and will invite the African co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Rotating Chair of the African Union and representatives from subregional organizations in Africa, according to Wang.

China and Africa will create a better future for the people of both sides through tangible cooperative outcomes and the promotion of spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, setting the example for the building of a community with a shared future, he said.

(Cover: A view of Chinese Foreign Ministry. /CFP)