Chinese President Jiang Zemin and President of South Africa Thabo
Mbeki agreed Monday to bolster friendly and cooperative relations
to full scale and in various sectors between the two countries.
Jiang and Mbeki, who is on a state visit to China, made the pledge
when they jointly presided over the first session of the
China-South Africa Bi-National Commission.
The commission was launched in accordance with the principles of a
declaration signed by Mbeki and Jiang in Pretoria, South Africa,
during Jiang's visit there last year.
Jiang spoke highly of the development of political relations
between China and South Africa since the two countries established
diplomatic ties some four years ago.
The two countries have intensified discussions and cooperation in
international affairs through frequent high-level political
exchanges, Jiang said.
The Chinese side appreciates the South African government's
adherence to the "one-China" policy and support for China's stand
on national reunification. The South African president also briefed
Jiang on a new partnership program for the development of African
nations. He said that the African nations are determined, by
implementing this program, to solve their problems of war and
underdevelopment through strengthening solidarity among themselves
and through their own efforts, and with help from outside, to
realize the goal of peace and development on the African continent.
In addition, he expressed the hope that China would support this
program.
Jiang stressed that continuous development of economic and trade
relations between the two countries has made South Africa China's
biggest trade partner in Africa, and China's investment in South
Africa has been increasing steadily.
Following China's accession to the
World Trade Organization, the trade and economic relations
between the two countries will be further promoted, and their
mutual complementary advantages will be brought to full play, Jiang
noted.
With joint efforts between the two governments, the bilateral
relations and cooperation in all fields will be elevated to a
higher level in the new century under the principles of equality,
mutual benefit, common prosperity and with focus on substantial
effects, Jiang said.
Mbeki said that the launching of the bilateral commission is a
historic moment in the bilateral relations, and will play an
important role in promoting cooperative relations in all
aspects.
The South African president also briefed Jiang on a new partnership
program for the development of African nations. He said that the
African nations are determined, by implementing this program, to
solve their problems of war and underdevelopment through
strengthening solidarity among themselves and through their own
efforts, and with help from outside, to realize the goal of peace
and development on the African continent. In addition, he expressed
the hope that China would support this program.
Jiang said that China backs all the efforts of the African nations
in pursuit of peace and development. He also spoke highly of the
role of South Africa in formulating the program.
After their talks, both Presidents attended a press conference on
the launching of the new commission. The two countries also signed
a treaty on extradition and notes were exchanged between foreign
ministers of the two governments on the modalities of the
China-South Africa Bilateral Commission.
(Xinhua News
Agency December 11, 2001)