Minister Nkoana-Mashabane arrives in China ahead of the State Visit, 24-26 August 2010

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has today, 21 August 2010, arrived in the People’s Republic of China ahead of President Jacob G. Zuma’s State Visit scheduled for 24-26 August 2010.

The visit takes place within the context of strengthening South- South Cooperation which aims to strengthen and deepen the relations between SA and China to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Earlier in the year, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane paid an official visit to the China to prepare for the President State Visit. She met with her counterpart, Mr. Yang Jiechi for bilateral meetings, which successfully reviewed the dynamic strategic partnership between South Africa and China and it was agreed that relations be elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1998 and the subsequent adoption of the “One China Policy”, South Africa’s relations with China have developed substantially in the political and economic spheres.

China and South Africa share a common vision and have sufficient consensus on a range of global issues and domestic challenges. Relations are underpinned by more than 60 joint agreements, memoranda, programmes of action, declarations and exchange of notes, which, inter alia, cover diplomatic relations, protection of investments, trade and economic cooperation, double tax avoidance, housing, agriculture, human resource development, police cooperation, civil air transportation, scientific and technological exchanges, water, sport, arts and culture.

Importantly, since the 10th year anniversary celebrations of SA-China relations in 2008, the marketing of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and South Africa’s successful participation in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo has resulted in SA’s image being greatly enhanced in China.

Upon conclusion of the State Visit, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and the delegation will return to South Africa on 27 August 2010.

For further information, please contact Chief Director for Public Diplomacy Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on +27 82 940 1647, +27 12 351 0083 or email him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg
Rietondale
0001

21 August 2010