Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has said China is ready to work with South Africa on cooperation and people-to-people exchanges to boost mutual understanding. 

Liu made the remarks during a meeting with South African Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa before attending the first meeting of the China-South Africa High Level People to People Exchange Mechanism (PPEM). 

Liu said the establishment of the PPEM is a strategic decision made by Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma in view of the overall situation of China-South African relations.

It is also an important step to implement the outcomes of the 2015 Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, marking the launch of China's first inter-governmental high-level PPEM with an African country.

Liu stressed it is imperative to bring into full play the leading role of the PPEM to push forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas such as education, culture, science and technology, health, youth, women, sports, think tanks, press and tourism.

South African Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said the South Africa-China PPEM will enhance the mutual understanding and learning between the two peoples and give a boost to South African efforts to realize the African Dream.

Mthethwa noted that with the launch of the PPEM, South Africa and China will be better positioned to jointly face up to challenges and promote common development and prosperity.

During the meeting, the two sides also witnessed the signing of six cooperation agreements.

(With inputs from Xinhua)