Beijing, September 1 (Xinhua) — On September 1, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, met in Beijing with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lamola, who was in China to attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Wang Yi said that China and South Africa, both major developing countries and important members of the "Global South," trust and support each other. They are good friends and partners pursuing development and revitalization, and a staunch force for upholding international fairness and justice. The two countries' friendship, described as that of "comrades and brothers," has a profound historical tradition and important contemporary value, and is a precious asset worth cherishing and carrying forward by both sides. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-South Africa relations have maintained momentum, and cooperation in various fields has benefited the peoples of both countries. Both sides have upheld a diplomatic character of defying power politics and safeguarding justice, maintained close coordination on multilateral occasions, and continued to inspire and advance the collective self-reliance of the "Global South." China is ready to work with South Africa to strengthen strategic communication, deepen political mutual trust, and push China-South Africa cooperation to new heights.

Wang Yi noted that the new FOCAC Summit is about to be held. Since its establishment 24 years ago, the Forum has effectively advanced Africa's accelerated development, become an important banner of South-South cooperation, and led and driven international cooperation with Africa. China highly appreciates South Africa's important contribution as the former co-chair of the Forum, warmly welcomes South Africa's participation in the Summit, and stands ready to work with African countries, including South Africa, to ensure the success of this Summit and inject new momentum into Africa's development and revitalization.

Lamola said that the profound friendship between South Africa and China was forged by the older generation of leaders. The two sides carry forward the Bandung Spirit, enjoy a high degree of political mutual trust, and have achieved leapfrog development in economic and trade cooperation, with China having become South Africa's largest trading partner. Under the strategic guidance of President Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping, the positioning of bilateral relations has been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. South Africa's Government of National Unity respects China's sovereignty and holds that Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang- and Tibet-related affairs are all China's internal affairs. South Africa will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy and support the Chinese government in safeguarding national unity and solidarity. South Africa-China relations transcend the bilateral scope. South Africa highly appreciates China's leadership on the international agenda, supports the series of global initiatives put forward by China, and is ready to closely align with the African Union's Agenda 2063, strengthen communication and coordination under multilateral frameworks such as the G20 and BRICS, and jointly promote the unity and cooperation of "Global South" countries.

The two sides spoke positively of the outcomes of China-South Africa cooperation in various fields and said they will expand cooperation in areas such as trade and investment and green development, and work together to keep China-South Africa practical cooperation at the forefront, bringing more tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.