Chinese President Hu Jintao met here Friday with Blade Nzimande, general secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Hu, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, said that China and South Africa have enjoyed long-term friendship, and the two sides have frequently exchanged visits and cooperation in all fields has expanded since the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

He added that Sino-South African friendly relations conform to the fundamental interests of the two peoples and are also conducive to world peace, stability and development.

He voiced his hope of furthering the partnership between China and South Africa in the new century.

On the relations between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the SACP, Hu said that the two parties have shared the same or identical views on many important issues, and promoting contact will help improve the relations between the two countries and push forward all-round cooperation.

Hu said that the CPC wishes to promote its relations with the SACP based on independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Nzimande said the SACP values its traditional friendship with the CPC, and spoke highly of the achievements the CPC has made during reforms.

He vowed to further the constructive dialogues and friendly exchanges with the CPC and the relations between the two countries to help safeguard world peace and stability.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2003)