Chinese, South African FMs hail bilateral ties, fruitful cooperation

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that China and South Africa are comprehensive strategic partners, and the relationship between the two countries is flourishing under the strategic leadership of the heads of state, heralding a "golden era."

He congratulated South Africa on its smooth general election and commended the African National Congress (ANC) for continuing to play a leading role in South African politics as the largest party.

Wang expressed the belief that the ANC will stay true to its original aspiration, hold firm to its belief and continue to lead the South African people towards greater achievements in building a unified, stable and prosperous nation.

Wang pointed out that the historic expansion of the BRICS mechanism announced in South Africa has further inspired solidarity among the Global South.

He called on the two sides to strengthen high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust, plan for the next phase of institutional bilateral exchanges and continue to firmly support each other on issues related to each other's core interests.

Hailing China-South Africa cooperation as large-scale, wide-ranging and high-level, Wang said bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.

China is ready to synergize the development strategies of the two countries and improve the top-level design for their future cooperation, he said, stressing that China values South Africa's role as a major developing country and is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination and provide objective, balanced and constructive perspectives on hot-button issues like the Ukraine crisis in order to contribute to world peace and stability.

For her part, Pandor thanked China for its support in South Africa's successful hosting of the BRICS Summit, saying that her country was honored to receive President Xi's visit last year.

She said South Africa and China maintain strong bilateral relations, with Chinese companies continuing to play a significant role in South Africa's continued economic growth, bilateral cultural exchanges remaining close and cooperation in various fields progressing smoothly.

South Africa prizes not only its relations with China but also Africa's cooperation with China, valuing the role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, she said.

Cooperation with China is a vital component of Africa's international cooperation, she said, adding that South Africa looks forward to enhancing collaboration with China in infrastructure, the digital economy, renewable energy and human resources development to boost Africa's stable growth.

Pandor noted that South Africa highly appreciates China's efforts in seeking a political solution to the Ukraine crisis and in promoting a ceasefire in Gaza and is ready to strengthen coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the G20 to ensure the smooth development of related mechanisms.

(With input from Xinhua)