Lerato Mbhiza
Chinese President Xi Jinping received a warm welcome at Pretoria’s Union Buildings on Tuesday ahead of his talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Xi inspected the guard of hour as and received the 21-gun salute before engaging with Ramaphosa for bilateral talks.
During the talks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa’s diplomatic relations with China spanned a period of 25 years and that the Asian country has been instrumental in assisting South Africa with its development.
Key among some of the talks between the two leaders was FOCAC-related infrastructural development projects that have already been implemented.
Ramaphosa conveyed his “deep gratitude and appreciation” to the people of China for aiding SA in its struggle for freedom and said our country is ready to work with China towards a shared future.
China is SA’s largest trading partner and the two countries have committed significant investments over the years, particularly in the infrastructure sector.
“Over the years, the relationship between South Africa and China has been steadily strengthened and has transformed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is underpinned by the 10-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation.
“China and South Africa share common goals of economic growth, development, and common prosperity for our respective countries and for all countries of the Global South. It is this common outlook that has enabled us to deepen our cooperation on several fronts,” said Ramaphosa in his welcoming speech.
The President also highlighted that the country is “inspired by China’s common prosperity strategy and is encouraged that this includes improving the welfare and well-being of all countries of the Global South.
“We look forward to a new era of even stronger ties, underpinned by our commitment to achieving common prosperity for our respective peoples and the Global South in general,” said Ramaphosa.
Both leaders share a common vision and both are in agreement on the importance of dialogue and negotiation especially regarding the Russian war with Ukraine.
“As South Africa, we are encouraged that President Xi has welcomed the peace mission to Russia and Ukraine initiated by African leaders,” said Ramaphosa.
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