Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao spoke at South Africa's prestigious
University of Pretoria on Wednesday. He used this platform to lay
out China's aim to begin new time of strategic partnership with
Africa, involving the consolidation of long-standing and the
widening of practical cooperation He made the remarks in a
speech.
"China is the biggest developing country and Africa is the
continent with the largest number of developing countries," he
said, adding that the calling of the times urged for a deepening of
the China-Africa traditional friendship.
Hu listed four areas through which China and Africa could
collaborate in accomplishing the afore-mentioned goals.
-- China shall take on a friendly attitude with Africa,
maintaining close political dialogue and coordination whilst
improving mutual understanding and trust, Hu said.
-- Both sides shall engage in a deepening of cooperation, namely
a ramping up of mutually beneficial economic and technological
exchanges.
-- The two civilizations shall strengthen dialogue and exchanges
and strive for common progress through mutual learning and
enrichment.
-- China and Africa shall treat each other as equals whilst
strengthening bilateral efforts on the international arena so as to
uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing
countries.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hu met with his South African counterpart
Thabo Mbeki enabling them to reach broad consensus on the future
development of bilateral relations. They agreed on developing ties
from a strategic perspective and enhance their strategic
partnership based on equality, mutual benefit and common
development.
During the talks, Hu made a five-point proposal aimed at
building China-South Africa ties, providing a framework for
boosting political mutual trust, deepening economic and trade
cooperation, expanding the scope of bilateral partnerships, and
boosting personnel contacts and intensifying multilateral
cooperation. Following the meeting, a joint communiqué was issued
laying out the above priorities.
The communiqué further stated that China-South Africa relations
would evolve along the guidelines of the four principles agreed
upon by the top leaders of the two countries.
These principles are: the broadening of mutual political trust
and strategic consultation; the enhancement of economic cooperation
and trade; the widening of coordination and cooperation through
diplomatic consultations; and the strengthening of cultural and
personnel interaction.
In the communiqué, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to the
one-China policy, recognizing the Government of the People's
Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing
the whole of China.
Hu arrived in South Africa after winding up visits to Cameroon,
Liberia, Sudan, Zambia and Namibia. He will also visit Mozambique
and Seychelles.
(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2007)
