Sharm-El-Sheikh: South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has today, 9 November 2009, held discussions with her Chinese counterpart, Minister Yang Jiechi on the margins of the fourth Ministerial Forum on Africa-China Cooperation.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane was supported by her Cabinet colleague, Trade and Industry Minister, Rob Davies, South African Ambassadors Sonto Kudjoe( Egypt), Ndumiso Ntshinga( People's Republic of China), Lungile Pepani, (Addis Ababa),Deputy Director-General, Jerry Matjila and Special Advisor, Dr Edddie Maloka.
The meeting took place within the context of strengthening bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China as well as strengthening interaction on the multilateral front with the Chinese.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane indicated to her counterpart that "South Africa views China as a strategic partner and that the bilateral relationship has grown into one of the most dynamic of its kind today". She further encouraged her Chinese counterpart to continue support for the developmental aspirations of South Africa, especially our national priorities in line with the Strategic Partnership as well as within the context of promoting the African Agenda through South-South Cooperation.
South Africa emphasised the need for the Chinese government to collaborate with African countries on cross border infrastructure projects in partnership with the African Development Bank and further welcomed China's support in infrastructure connectivity in a number of African countries.
Chinese Foreign Minister also expressed his satisfaction with China -South Africa relations and that the two Ministers had an opportunity to meet at the margins of the Fourth Ministerial Focac Meeting. He further recalled that both President Zuma as well as President Hu Jintao had met on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly Session in New York, September 2009 and were honoured by President Zuma's acceptance of the invitation by the Chinese President, Hu Jintao to pay a State Visit to China in 2010.
Discussions in the meeting focused on:
The forthcoming Climate change meeting in Copenhagen, December 2009. The forthcoming ministerial visit to China early next year for preparations, ahead of President Jacob Zuma's State Visit to China.
South Africa's participation at the Shanghai Expo in 2010
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane further extended an invitation to her Chinese counterpart to visit South Africa for the FIFA Soccer World Cup next year.
Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will depart Sherm-El-Sheikh later today ahead of her working visit to Sri Lanka, which will be the second leg of her tri-nation political visit.
For more information, contact:
Nomfanelo Kota
Cell: 082 459 3787
Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
9 November 2009
Source: SAPA
