President Xi Jinping Pays State Visit to South Africa

On August 22, President Xi Jinping held talks with President of South Africa Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria during his state visit to the country. The two heads of state conducted an indepth exchange of views on the development of China-south Africa relations in the new era and international and regional issues of mutual interest. They agreed to work together to take the China-south Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights and build a high-quality China-south Africa community with a shared future.

President Xi Jinping noted that it was his fourth visit to South Africa as Chinese President. He said that he has personally experienced the robust growth of China-south Africa relations over the past decade. The key to the strong relationship and profound friendship lies in the mutual support by the two countries and the two political parties in pursuit of their respective development. China is ready to work with South Africa to carry forward the friendship, deepen cooperation, and strengthen coordination.

Xi described mutual benefit and winwin results as the hallmark of China-south Africa cooperation, emphasizing that the two sides should focus on advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, implementing the nine programs on China-africa cooperation, as well as the 10-Year Strategic Program on Cooperation between the two countries, consolidating cooperation in areas of strength and fostering new growth points for cooperation.

China and South Africa should be friendly partners enjoying mutual understanding, and global partners with a commitment to justice, Xi pointed out. China is ready to work with South Africa and other developing countries to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, practice true multilateralism, increase the representation and voice of the Global South in global governance, bolster coordination on climate change, food security and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and safeguard the shared interests and development space of developing countries.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that China firmly supports African countries in seeking strength through unity, firmly supports the African Union in joining the G20, and firmly supports Africa in promoting its industrialization and agricultural modernization.

President Ramaphosa noted that China gave South Africa much-needed support in difficult times such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. China is a true friend, brother, and partner of South Africa. South Africa and other countries in the Global South all hope to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China to better meet challenges together, and promote an international order that is more egalitarian, just and equitable.

Following their talks, President Ramaphosa bestowed on President Xi Jinping the Order of South Africa, the highest medal and honor of South Africa for the heads of state of friendly countries.