By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in Beijing, on Monday, where He reaffirmed South Africa and China’s “mutually beneficial political and economic ties”.
The State Visit, comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the FOCAC Summit will take place in Beijing from 2 – 5 September 2024.
Ramaphosa is flanked by Cabinet Ministers from portfolios including International Relations and Cooperation; Science, Technology and Innovation; Human Settlements; Small Business Development; Presidency; Trade, Industry and Competition; Electricity and Energy; Public Works and Infrastructure; Higher Education and Agriculture.
Speaking at a welcome ceremony, Ramaphosa expressed delight in Jinping’s proposal to upgrade China’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership with South Africa.
China has multiple such strategic partnerships with African and Asian countries.
“This will elevate our mutually beneficial political and economic ties for the benefit of both our countries and our people. 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,” Ramaphosa told Jinping.
He described China and South Africa’s political relationship as a foundation of an “unwavering and valuable friendship”.
Ramaphosa committed to promote African interests, as well as those of 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. I am also confident that we will find common ground on key regional issues and other global challenges,” he said.
While there has been an increase in bilateral trade between South Africa and China, Ramaphosa stressed the need to narrow the deficit and focus on South Africa’s trade structure.
He further called for more investments that would result in sustainable manufacturing and job-creation.
“Development cooperation between our two countries continues to grow, covering many areas. We welcome the progress made in several Focac-related projects. Last year, South Africa hosted the tenth Brics Summit, and we appreciate China’s support for the positive outcomes achieved,” Ramaphosa said.