Beijing – SA President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Beijing, China, on a State Visit, and to participate in the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
Addressing his counterpart Xi Jinping, the President of China, on Monday, (2 September 2024), Ramaphosa said: “Your Excellency, I am grateful for your invitation to undertake this second State Visit to your wonderful country.
“I fondly recall your fourth State Visit to South Africa last year, as we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“I reaffirmed that our political rapport is the foundation of an unwavering and valuable friendship.
“You declared that our two countries have entered a ‘golden era’ of cooperation.”
Ramaphosa said SA was pleased with China’s proposal “to upgrade our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era”.
He said the move will elevate mutually beneficial political and economic ties and benefit both countries.
South Africa has entered a new period in our 30 years of democracy.
“The newly formed Government of National Unity continues to place the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the pursuit of a better Africa and world at the centre of our foreign policy,” explained Ramaphosa.
“As our history demands, South Africa will continue to pursue progressive internationalism. We remain firmly committed to the One China Policy.
“Our two countries share many common objectives.
“Building on the firm foundation of solidarity, we continue to provide support in promoting our interests, those of the African Continent and the Global South.
“I am confident that we will have the opportunity to openly exchange views on many issues regarding our political, economic, and technical cooperation as outlined in the 10-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation.”
Ramaphosa said he was confident that China and
South Africa will find common ground on key regional issues and other global challenges.
“We have witnessed an increase in our bilateral trade,” he said.
“However, as South Africa, we would like to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of our trade.
“We were encouraged by the inward procurement mission of Chinese companies last year. We urge for more sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments.”
Ramaphosa said development cooperation between China and
South Africa continues to grow, covering many areas.
“We welcome the progress made in several FOCAC-related projects.”
Last year, South Africa hosted the 10th BRICS Summit, and we appreciate China’s support for the positive outcomes achieved.
Ramahosa said South Africa will support China in delivering a successful 2024 FOCAC Summit.
“My government looks forward to ongoing cooperation with China in multilateral affairs,” he said.
“The world faces many geopolitical, socio-economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges.”
Ramaphosa added: “South Africa will use the opportunity of hosting the G20 Summit next year to focus global attention on the developmental challenges confronting Africa and the countries of the Global South.
“As we enter a new phase of our partnership, we should continue to consult closely in pursuit of a just, equitable, and prosperous world.”
*All photos courtesy GCIS
