The presidents of China and South Africa, Xi Jinping and Cyril Ramaphosa, have announced the upgrading of bilateral relations to a new-age comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

During the meeting, the Chinese leader said that strengthening solidarity and cooperation between China and South Africa is in line with the common expectations of the people of the two countries and the historical development of the Global South. This is reported by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS. 

Xi called for greater mutual strategic trust and emphasised the importance of joint efforts to promote quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and new energy. He also emphasised the need to promote exchanges and cooperation in human resources. Chinese leader said that the country is willing to work with South Africa and other states on the continent to create new dynamics for cooperation and promote high-quality development of China-Africa relations. 

Ramaphosa said that South Africa is willing to continue to be a trusted friend of China, and to use the established relations of comprehensive strategic co-operation and partnership with China in the new era as an opportunity to broaden and deepen practical co-operation in the fields of trade, economic and investment, infrastructure, new energy and poverty alleviation.

“We urge for more sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments”

Cyril Ramaphosa South African President

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa makes a state visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The South African leader will also attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing before the end of this week.

Photo: Xie Huanchi /
Xinhua News Agency