China, S. Africa Vow to Build Stronger Ties

South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma said on Monday that he attached great importance to bilateral relations between South Africa and China.

South Africa treasures its relationship with China, said the deputy president while meeting with Yang Wenchang, special envoy of the Chinese Government and vice-foreign minister.

The two sides held cordial talks on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Zuma said that he had visited Beijing and Shanghai and was deeply impressed by China's economic achievements.

As the special envoy of the Chinese Government, Yang was invited to attend the 38th summit of the Organization of African Unity and the inauguration of the African Union as well as to pay a visit to South Africa.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa over four years ago, Yang said friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries have made continuous progress.

He said that Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki had successfully exchanged visits and the two heads of state have signed the Pretoria Declaration on Partnership between China and South Africa. The two sides have also officially launched a bilateral committee.

(China Daily July 10, 2002)