Premier Wen Jiaobao's visit to South Africa from June 21 to 22, the first official visit to South Africa by a Chinese Premier since the two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1, 1998, is of great importance and significance and will push the strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level, says Mr. Liu Guijin, the Chinese ambassador to South Africa.

   Premier Wen's upcoming visit to seven African countries will surely be a success and further promote China-Africa time-honored friendship and win-win cooperation, the ambassadors says.

  Ambassador Liu receives an interview with AFP bureau chief Stephane Barbier on June 15.