Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Sunday voiced appreciation in Cape Town for the African Renaissance Plan initiated by South African President Thabo Mbeki.
Speaking at a meeting with Mbeki, Li said African renaissance, which reflects the common aspirations of the people of South Africa and African continent as a whole, will contribute to unity and prosperity on the continent.
He said that the plan has historic implications for the development both in South Africa and on the African continent.
Li, who is on a six-day official good-will visit to South Africa, said China has also embarked on the road to national renaissance and is willing to swap experiences with South Africa.
Developing countries should adopt policies for development according to the national characteristics of their own, Li stressed.
On bilateral ties, Li said Sino-South African relations have enjoyed rapid growth in all aspects, with the cooperation constantly expanded and strengthened in political, economic, trade, cultural and scientific and technological areas, since the two countries established diplomatic relations in early 1998.
He said that the two countries have been supporting each other on the international arena and such cooperation has been constantly strengthened in recent years.
Li expressed deep gratitude to South Africa for its recent support extended to China on the issue of human rights.
He said the Declaration on the Partnership between China and South Africa, signed by Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Mbeki during Jiang's visit to South Africa last year, gives the directions of bilateral ties in the new century.
China wants to see the proposed "bi-national commission" to play a great role in enhancing cooperation between the two countries, Li added, saying, "We strongly believe that Sino-South African relations will be further developed through mutual efforts. "
Mbeki, in reply, said he agrees with Li on his views about African renaissance and the assessment of Sino-South African relations.
He said the South African government and people are gratified with the smooth development of bilateral ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The development of partnership is based on the hard work of not only the two governments but also the two peoples, Mbeki noted.
South Africa is willing to work with China to further develop bilateral ties, particularly to speed up the establishment of the "bi-national commission", he said, adding that South Africa also attaches importance to the promotion of cooperation between the two countries in international affairs so as to beef up unity among developing countries.
Mbeki said South Africa highly appreciates the forum on China- African cooperation held in Beijing last year, which he said is helpful for African countries to be better aware of the challenges they are facing and facilitate coordination and cooperation among them to meet such challenges.
Li arrived in Cape Town on Thursday. South Africa is the second leg of Li's four-nation tour, which will also take him to Morocco and Turkey. He has already visited Mauritius.
(Xinhua 04/23/2001)
