President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China President Cyril Ramaphosa at the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China at the welcome ceremony of the state visit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Picture: GCIS
At Monday's opening ceremony of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the signing of eight exchanges and co-operation agreements.
These agreements will cement ties between the two countries in various fields, including agriculture, rural development, human settlements, science and technology, customs and heritage.
The signing ceremony took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, with a high-level delegation from both sides in attendance. Among the signatories accompanying Ramaphosa were Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Science and Technology Blade Nzimande, Minister of Human Settlements Mamoloko Kubayi, and Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau, as well as the CEO of the South African Heritage Agency, Lungisa Malgas.
Addressing China's president, Ramaphosa expressed pleasure at entering into an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era with China.
“This will elevate our mutually beneficial political and economic ties for the benefit of both our countries and our people,” he said.
Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa's commitment to progressive internationalism and the One China Policy.
He emphasised the shared objectives between the two countries, including promoting solidarity and supporting each other's interests.
Ramaphosa also expressed confidence in finding common ground on key regional issues and global challenges. He noted the increase in bilateral trade but emphasised the need to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of trade.
Steenhuisen described the agricultural memorandums of understanding as “game-changers” that would open new opportunities in the Chinese market, create jobs, and grow the economy.
Public Works Minister Dean McPherson praised the warm reception of the Government of National Unity in China and expressed support for Ramaphosa's efforts.
Xu Jianping, the Director General of the National Development and Reform Commission, highlighted the significant progress in aligning China and Africa's development strategies.
He highlighted the establishment of high-level consensus on principles, goals, and key areas of co-operation, as well as the implementation of various projects in infrastructure, health, green development, digital economy, and innovation.
He also emphasised China's commitment to deepen co-operation with Africa in four key areas: implementing existing agreements, expanding cooperation to more African countries, improving infrastructure, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
THE MERCURY
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