In a significant move towards deeper international collaboration, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday the elevation of their bilateral relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership for the new era.
President Ramaphosa is currently in China for a state visit and is set to attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will run from Wednesday to Friday. This summit serves as a crucial platform for fostering economic and political ties between China and African nations.
During their meeting, President Xi emphasized that strengthening solidarity and cooperation between China and South Africa aligns with the shared aspirations of their peoples and the historical growth trajectory of the Global South. “By leading our relationship forward with high-level strategic mutual trust, we can foster robust Belt and Road cooperation, advance the digital economy, artificial intelligence, new energy initiatives, and enhance human resources development,” Xi stated.
The elevation of ties signals a commitment to high-quality development, with both nations aiming to create new momentum for China-Africa cooperation. President Xi also highlighted China’s willingness to further open its doors to African countries, reinforcing the importance of unity and cooperation in the face of an increasingly complex international landscape. “It is imperative for Global South countries to uphold independence, strengthen unity, and work together to safeguard international fairness and justice,” Xi remarked.
This strategic partnership not only reinforces economic ties but also paves the way for collaborative efforts in technology, sustainability, and human capital development, marking a new chapter in China-South Africa relations.
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President Xi, Ramaphosa announce elevation of China-South Africa ties
cgtn.com
