Chinese President Xi Jinping met with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa during his visit to South Africa, ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit.
Xi’s Proposal to Strengthen Cooperation
A press release by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Xi put forward four proposals to help strengthen the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.
Comrades and brothers: President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa at talks at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa. pic.twitter.com/rivDq8Jixa
— Hua Chunying 华春莹 (@SpokespersonCHN) August 23, 2023
Xi suggested that both countries must:
- Step up exchange and cooperation between legislatures, political parties, the military and subnational governments, and continue to support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests.
- Focus on Belt and Road cooperation, implementation of the nine programs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as well as the 10-Year Strategic Program of Cooperation. He assured that China will expand the import of South African products, and encourage more Chinese companies to invest and do business in South Africa.
- Cooperate on tourism, support closer technological cooperation and joint research by scientific research institutions and businesses. Xi assured that China will enhance the role of the Vocational Education Cooperation Alliance and the Future of Africa project to help strengthen vocational education and youth employment.
- Practice true multilateralism, increase the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance, bolster coordination on climate change, food security, and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ramaphosa’s Comments
Ramaphosa called China “a true friend, brother, and partner of South Africa.”
He expressed his government’s willingness to develop:
“Closer exchanges between political parties, deepen experience sharing on the governance of political parties and countries, carry out pilot programs for poverty reduction with Chinese features, and expand cooperation on trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and science and technology.”
His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa welcoming the President of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) August 22, 2023
President Xi is in South Africa for the State Visit and the 15th BRICS Summit which kicks off this afternoon… pic.twitter.com/qTgm9cC2Dg
The South African leader also welcomed Chinese businesses to invest and do business in his country.
“South Africa and other countries in the Global South all hope to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China to better meet challenges together, and promote an international order that is more egalitarian, just and equitable,” Ramaphosa said.
Awards and Agreements
Following their talks, Ramaphosa honoured Xi with the Order of South Africa — the country’s highest medal and honour for the heads of state of friendly countries.
The leaders also witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on “Belt and Road cooperation, infrastructure, new energy, agricultural product, special economic zone, industrial park, blue economy, technological innovation, and higher education.”