South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has praised the growing relationship between South Africa and China, saying the two countries should continue strengthening cooperation for the benefit of their people.
De Lille was speaking in Pretoria at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy on 30 September to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The celebration brought together more than 600 guests, including government representatives, diplomats, business leaders, Chinese-funded institutions and members of the Chinese community in South Africa.
The Minister congratulated the Chinese government and people on the anniversary and highlighted China’s achievements in economic and social development, as well as the support and assistance China has provided to South Africa.
She said South Africa remained committed to deepening exchanges and cooperation with China and to advancing the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The event also highlighted the importance of people-to-people relations, trade, investment and tourism as areas where South Africa and China can continue to build stronger partnerships.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng said China and South Africa remained good friends, partners and brothers, noting that both countries share a common future as important members of the Global South.
He highlighted the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for products from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, describing it as an opportunity to expand trade and improve livelihoods. China has also remained South Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, according to the Ambassador.
Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe also reflected on the history of friendship and mutual support between China and South Africa.
For South Africa, the strengthening of relations with China presents opportunities in areas including tourism, agriculture, trade, investment, education and cultural exchanges.
The Pretoria celebration therefore served not only as a commemoration of China’s 77 years since the founding of the People’s Republic, but also as a reflection of the increasingly important partnership between China and South Africa.
As both countries continue to engage on economic development and Global South cooperation, the message from the celebration was clear: stronger people-to-people and economic ties can create new opportunities for both nations
