On the afternoon of June 21, 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council of China held talks with President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki in Cape Town.
Wen said that the people of both countries enjoy profound friendship. The Chinese people have firmly supported the South African people in their fight against apartheid, struggle for national liberation and endeavor for national reconciliation and economic development. South Africa also provided China with valuable support on the Taiwan question that concerns the essential interest of China. A friend in need is a friend indeed. China and South Africa are good friends enjoying mutual trust and good partners having sincere cooperation. The bilateral relationship enjoys a solid foundation. That's the reason why the bilateral relationship has been developing rapidly though the two countries established diplomatic ties only a number of years ago. China and South Africa established partnership in 2000 and identified the establishment of strategic partnership in 2004. Today, we will sign the Cooperation Program on Deepening Strategic Partnership between China and South Africa. All these indicate that China-South Africa relations are advancing continuously. China is satisfied with the growing momentum of bilateral relationship.
Wen pointed out that China and South Africa have similar histories and know the sufferings of being invaded and oppressed by colonialists. Therefore, no matter judging from China's culture and tradition or from the experiences of the Chinese people, China will not invade other countries and China is a sincere partner of the African people forever. It's not like what others claim that China develop the relations with Africa for the sake of African resources. It is not today that China started to develop economic cooperation with Africa. The goal of China's African policy is to better realize south-south cooperation.
Mbeki said that China is a trustworthy friend of South Africa. We will not forget the valuable support of the Chinese people in our fight against colonial rules and struggle for national liberation. South Africa appreciates the generous assistance offered by China when the new South Africa was established. Our bilateral relationship is getting increasingly closer in recent years. The signing of a number of agreements after our talks is a good reflection of the width and depth of our relations. South Africa values the friendly ties with China and regards as a strategic partner of safeguarding peace and promoting development. South Africa does not believe that developing relations with China will harm the interest of South Africa and Africa. South Africa supports China's African policies and appreciates the efforts made by China in promoting economic growth of Africa and helping Africa get out of poverty.
Both sides agreed that the Cooperation Program on Deepening Strategic Partnership between China and South Africa formulated and signed by the two countries is a document of historical significance that will definitely promote the better and faster growth of bilateral relations.
To implement the tasks outlined in the Program, both said agreed: first, to expand political exchanges and give full play to such mechanisms as "bilateral commission" so as to exchange views on major issues of bilateral relations in a timely manner; second, to expand the scope of cooperation, improve the cooperation quality, encourage mutual investment, and expand the cooperation in such areas as rural development, human resources development, and infrastructure construction; third, to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges, hold "Feel China", a large-scale cultural event in South Africa, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship; fourth, to consolidate dialogues and consultations on major regional and international issues, strengthen coordination and collaboration in the United Nations and international trade and within financial systems, jointly safeguard the interest and rights of developing nations and promote global peace and development.
Mbeki also introduced the views of South Africa on African situation and stressed that South Africa is dedicated to African peace and development and promoting cooperation between African countries by advocating and promoting the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
Mbeki appreciated China for showing interest in Africa and helping African countries deal with the challenges of peace and development. He said that the Africa-China and South Africa-China cooperation is extensive. Others should pay more attention to the content of our bilateral cooperation and one swallow doesn't make a summer. African countries need to improve their development and competition abilities. I hope that China may help us in this field.
Wen appreciated South Africa's important contributions to African peace and development. He said that without the stability and development in Africa, there would be no peace and stability throughout the world. China cares for Africa and always supports and participates in resolving African issues. China hopes that African countries could achieve stability, development, self-reliance and solidarity. China priorities and supports the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and agrees to identify the plan as one important aspect of China-Africa cooperation in a bid to help Africa realize self-development. The China-Africa cooperation does not only benefit one side. It is in the interest of both countries. China does not have any selfish goals in developing the relationship with Africa. China will continue to carry out economic and trade cooperation with Africa based upon the principle of equality, mutual benefit, and common development. China has adopted a number of measures to reduce or cancel debts, cut custom duties, and encourage investment in a bid to realize a trade balance with Africa. On the other hand, China would also like to provide Africa with assistance and help Africa improve the technical and managerial level and enhance the ability of sustainable development.
Both sides also exchanged views on the dialogues between the Group of Eight and developing countries, the China-Africa Cooperation Forum and regional issues of common concern.
Following the talks, Wen and Mbeki signed the Cooperation Program on Deepening Strategic Partnership between China and South Africa and attended the signing ceremony of a number of documents on bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas such as economy, trade, medicine, health, quality inspection and culture. Then they met the journalists together.