On the afternoon of August 24, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with South African President Jacob Zuma at the Great Hall of the People. The two heads of state reached broad consensus on carrying forward the traditional friendship and enhancing all-round cooperation, agreeing to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
On behalf of the South African government and people, Zuma first extended his sympathy to the Chinese people in those regions hit by flood and mudslide disasters, for which Hu expressed thanks.
Hu said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 12 years ago, China-South Africa relations have witnessed all-round and rapid development with close exchanges between leaders of the two countries and fruitful results in strategic cooperation. China appreciates and thanks for South Africa's firm support on Taiwan and other major issues. Bilateral cooperation in all areas has been expanding and enjoys a sound momentum. Both sides have also maintained sound coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs including coping with the global financial crisis, climate change, Doha Round negotiations, African peace and development, he said.
Zuma hailed the sound relations between South Africa and China. The leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contacts, exchanging views on bilateral ties and major issues of common concern, which is conducive to building up mutual understanding and friendship between both countries and their peoples. Currently South Africa-China relations have developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership with pragmatic cooperation covering all areas. South Africa is satisfied with the smooth development of bilateral ties, he added.
Hu said the two countries are good brothers, good friends and good partners. China attaches great importance to ties with South Africa and is ready to work with the country to promote China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership based on the new goals and demands of deepening bilateral ties. In the political area, Hu urged the two countries to maintain close contacts between their leaders and firmly grasp the general direction of bilateral ties from a strategic height. Both sides should make best use of Bi-National Commission, strategic dialogue and other cooperative mechanisms, further implement bilateral cooperation documents already signed and provide institutional, legal and policy guarantee for the development of bilateral ties. Ruling parties and legislatures of the two countries should make best use of the existing mechanisms and platforms for enhanced dialogue and exchanges, learn from each other experience on governing the country and promote in-depth development of bilateral ties. In the economic area, Hu hoped both sides would promote trade and investment growth, boost energy cooperation, optimize financial services and push forward bilateral economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation based on the spirit of mutual benefit and common development. In the humanities area, China and South Africa need to work together on culture, education, media, health and tourism, Hu said. Both sides should sign the new implementation plan of cultural agreement as early as possible and support more exchanges between art groups, publishers and film and television circles of the two countries. Efforts should also be made to advance academic and research cooperation as well as exchanges between colleges within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. On the multilateral front, the two countries should improve consultations and coordination in the UN, the WTO, G20, the BASIC countries and other international organizations and frameworks so as to further South-South cooperation, tackle global challenges and strive to build a just and reasonable international order. China appreciates South Africa's important role in maintaining peace and stability on the continent and in promoting the development of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, said Hu, adding that China supports South Africa playing a greater role in international affairs.
Echoing Hu's important proposals on furthering bilateral ties, Zuma said the bilateral relations had great potential as China is the biggest trading partner of South Africa and one of the most important investors in South Africa. The people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries are becoming increasingly dynamic. He hoped both sides would take the opportunity of establishing the comprehensive strategic partnership and make full use of various cooperation mechanisms to promote exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, trade, energy, culture, education, health, employment and infrastructure construction. He also urged both sides to continue coordinating with and supporting each other on major international issues. South Africa is ready to work with China to strengthen pragmatic cooperation, further develop bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and jointly promote South-South cooperation and world peace and development.
Zuma said China has maintained friendly relations with the entire African continent. In particular since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), bilateral relations have shown an unprecedented growth momentum. South Africa is ready to play a greater role in pushing forward China-Africa relations.
Following the talks, the two heads of state attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents including the Beijing Declaration on establishing comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for President Zuma's visit at the square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Vice-Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chen Changzhi, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Li Jinhua, Vice Chairman Suo Lisheng of the Central Committee of China Democratic League, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Director General of National Energy Bureau Zhang Guobao, MOC International Trade Representative & Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng and Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Zhong Jianhua attended the welcoming ceremony.