Ramphosa: SA's partnership with China is special

Cape Town - The South African government values the comprehensive strategic partnership it has with China, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday during the 6th SA-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town.

"The partnership with China is very special. It is given practical meaning through the BNC, which has become a vehicle to facilitate cooperation between our two countries," said Ramaphosa.

"I am confident that at the conclusion of this 6th session we will have excellent outcomes as we move forward with further deepening relations between the two countries. This 6th BNC is a great opportunity to identify areas for remedial attention."

During the afternoon China's Vice President Li Yuanchao also received a courtesy call from President Jacob Zuma.

According to Ramaphosa Li and Zuma enjoyed talking to each other and they had "a wonderful time exchanging views".

The purpose of the 6th BNC is to assess the progress that has been made since the previous one in 2013. Working committees of the two countries have assessed progress in, for instance, foreign affairs, energy, science and technology, trade and investment as well as overall political and economic relations in a broad way.

"Since the previous session our two countries have strengthened our ties through numerous agreements signed. One of the highlights of our cooperation was when President Zuma visited China, met with the Chinese president and signed a programme of cooperation. That will set in place a practical framework with clearly defined targets for how our relationship could develop over the next years," said Ramaphosa.

"We are grateful for the deepening of relations between our two countries. The outcomes of China's commitments to SA and Africa are changing the lives of our people and bring new opportunities for growth and development."

During the 6th BNC a Memorandum of Understanding is due to be signed and Ramaphosa also foresees further agreements on, among others, special economic zones and industrial parks.

Li in turn thanked Ramaphosa for inviting him to SA to co-chair the 6th BNC

"A comprehensive strategy is pointing the way forward to our friendly cooperation. It is a new era of joint development. China has been SA's largest trading partner for the past seven years and an emerging investor in SA. It will bring concrete benefits for the two countries and its people," said Li.