Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council signed the Program of Cooperation on Deepening the Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa with South African President Tbabo Mbeki on June 21. Following is the abstract:
At the invitation of President of the Republic of South Africa Tbabo Mbeki, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao paid an official visit to the Republic of South Africa from 21 to 22 June 2006 and held talks with the South African President.
Both sides are satisfied with rapid and comprehensive growth of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1998, holding that such relations enjoy a firm basis and broad development prospect. It is necessary to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries through enhanced political dialogue and cooperation in all fields to promote common development for the benefit of the two peoples.
Both sides agree to maintain high-level exchanges; give full play to the role of China-South Africa bilateral committee as a high-level mechanism in promoting exchanges and cooperation in all areas; assess cooperation developments in all areas on a regular basis; enlarge exchanges and cooperation between the two legislatures; and identify their consensus and identical appeals in promoting multilateralism and democratic international relations, safeguarding common rights and interests of developing nations and calling for the international community to give closer attention to African issues. Both sides should undertake regular strategic dialogue and expand consultation and coordination in the UN system, more extensive international organizations and other important multilateral occasions.
The two countries notice that it is imperative to reform the UN Security Council to enhance its effectiveness and representation, emphasizing the need to increase the representation of African members in this organ. Both sides agree to continue discussions and cooperation in this regard. China is willing to strengthen communication and cooperation with South Africa in this aspect.
China will actively push the UN Security Council to pay close attention to and help the solution of conflicts in Africa, continue taking part in UN's peacekeeping operations in the continent and support peacekeeping operations conducted by regional and sub-regional organizations in Africa.
China attaches importance to and supports the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), expressing willingness to assist Africa's self-development within the framework of China-Africa Cooperation Forum.
South Africa welcomes China's African Policy. Both sides are willing to strengthen consultation and coordination to contribute to a successful China-Africa Cooperation Forum summit to be held in Beijing. Both sides would like to commit themselves to a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, win-win economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
The South African government reiterates its adherence to the one-China policy, holding that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
Both sides encourage the growth of trade in order to realize balanced trade relations of mutual benefit. The two countries will encourage their businesses to seek opportunities to tap trade potential.
China expects that the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) will positively respond to detailed discussions on the SACU-China Free Trade Agreement.
South Africa actively encourages Chinese companies to seize investment opportunities arising from South Africa's economic growth and favorable investment environment. China supports South African enterprises to expand investment and business activities in China. The two countries will continue being committed to enhancing policy consultation on major international economic issues and coordinating positions on key international financial matters.
Both sides agree to strengthen cooperation in health, forestry and other areas.
Focus in agriculture should be put on exchanges and cooperation in the areas of planting, animal husbandry, aquaculture, biotech, policies and regulations.
Technological and investment cooperation should be encouraged in coal liquidation, minerals and mining safety management.
Focus should be put on closer cooperation in the fields of transportation science & technology, agricultural technology, IT, nanometer technology, new materials, renewable energy, clean technology, mining technology and safety.
Both sides should implement cultural exchange programs between the two governments, encouraging various forms of cultural and art exchange activities
China will hold a large cultural activity called "Feel China" in South Africa by the end of 2006. Bilateral exchanges and cooperation in public heath and medical science should also be promoted.
Both sides should push forward common development of their tourist trade. The two governments encourage and support their aviation companies to discuss the possibility of opening up air traffic to each other at the earliest date possible.
The Chinese government would like to provide assistance for South Africa's Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative to the best of its ability in human resources development, including skills training, capacity building and Chinese language teaching.
Judicial and policing enforcement cooperation should be intensified.