Media Statement
13 April 2015
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane to host Chinese counterpart for bilateral consultations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will on Tuesday, 14 April 2015, host Mr Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, for bilateral consultations in Pretoria.
It is expected that the bilateral discussions will focus, amongst others, on the implementation of the 5-10 Year Strategic Framework on Cooperation as agreed to in Beijing during President Zuma’s State Visit in December 2014; the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank and preparations for the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place in South Africa later this year.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and China were established in January 1998. However, the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the Chinese and South African people go much further back in history.
Since 1998, South Africa and China’s diplomatic relations have witnessed phenomenal growth, culminating in a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2010. The 5-10 Year Strategic Framework on Cooperation, signed in 2014, serves as an overall implementation plan with respect to all existing agreements and frameworks.
China has become South Africa’s single largest trading partner in the world, and South Africa has become China’s largest trading partner in Africa, with total two-way trade having reached R262 billion in 2014.
On the multilateral front, South Africa and China are members of and participate as partners on numerous international bodies, including the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA), the BASIC Group on Climate Change (Brazil, SA, India and China), the Group of 77 + China, the G20, as well as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The two countries are also Co-Chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Enquiries: Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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