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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, has said that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of South Africa and the entire continent of Africa.
The Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, stated this when he met with the Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, in New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting.
Wang stated that as representatives of emerging economies and founding members of BRICS, China and South Africa have firmly upheld multilateralism, advocated greater democracy in international relations, maintained close high-level exchanges, deepened practical cooperation across all sectors, and set an exemplary model for solidarity and cooperation among the Global South.
Wang said: “At present, unilateralism and the law of the jungle undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries and erode the norms governing international relations. As the backbone of the Global South, BRICS countries need to strengthen solidarity and coordination, jointly burnish the golden brand of BRICS that symbolizes unity and self-improvement of developing countries, work hand in hand to safeguard international fairness and justice, and preserve world peace and stability.
“China is a trustworthy friend and partner for South Africa and Africa. China-South Africa relations have maintained steady momentum of growth.”
He also said the two sides should earnestly implement the important consensus reached by their heads of state, stay committed to mutual respect and win-win cooperation, continuously improve exchange mechanisms at all levels, consolidate and deepen strategic mutual trust, and jointly expand the pie of cooperation.
“We should fully leverage policy dividends including zero-tariff treatment and the “Green Channel 2.0” for African agricultural and food products entering China, so as to inject strong impetus into the joint modernization drive of China and South Africa as well as China and Africa,” Wang added.
In her remarks, Ntshavheni said South Africa attachedgreat importance to developing relations with China and always regards China as a reliable friend.
She thanked China for its long-standing support and assistance to South Africa and Africa, especially the benefits brought by the zero-tariff policy to people across Africa.
“South Africa looks forward to closer high-level exchanges with China and deeper cooperation in trade, investment, cybersecurity, infrastructure and other fields to elevate South Africa-China and Africa-China relations to new heights.
“South Africa firmly pursues the one-China policy, stands ready to step up coordination and collaboration with China on multilateral platforms including BRICS, jointly safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries, revitalize multilateral mechanisms, and advance the process of world multipolarization,” she said.
