Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) is warmly greeted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa upon his arrival at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug 21, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

PRETORIA - Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Tuesday that he is willing to work with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, to push China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

At a new historical starting point, Xi said, carrying forward friendship, deepening cooperation and strengthening coordination are the common aspiration of the two countries and the task entrusted by the times.

Xi said that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond bilateral scope and carried global sway

Xi made the remarks in a meeting here with Ramaphosa after arriving on Monday for a state visit to South Africa, where he will also attend the 15th BRICS Summit and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue.

Xi said that China-South Africa ties have gone beyond bilateral scope and carried global sway. He added that China and South Africa need to be development partners and make progress together.

China and South Africa will work to deepen bilateral cooperation in electric power, new energy as well as scientific and technological innovation, Xi said.

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China is ready to import more quality products from South Africa and will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in South Africa, he added.

Xi also said that China and South Africa must strengthen strategic coordination, practice genuine multilateralism and work to increase the representation and voice of the Global South countries in global governance. 

Order of South Africa

After the meeting, Xi received the Order of South Africa from Ramaphosa.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation

Speaking at the award ceremony, Xi said the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a golden age, as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.

The two countries have maintained close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, which has effectively promoted their respective development and revitalization, and made positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, he noted.

Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.

Noting that he will treasure the honor, which symbolizes the friendship between the two peoples, Xi pledged to unswervingly push for the continuous development of China-South Africa relations.