Ambassador Zhong Jianhua's remarks at the reception

 

Fully packed reception room with nearly 400 guests

During his remarks, Ambassador Zhong reviewed the 60 years of development that New China has experienced as well as great achievements made during these extraordinary years. He emphasized that China cannot keep developing without the support of other countries, especially African and developing countries. Since the 50s and 60s of the last century, Chinese and African people have been working together, hand in hand, to fight against hegemonism and colonialism, to realize national liberation and economic independence. Nowadays, with negative impact of the global financial crisis on every country, China and Africa, both in unfavorable situations, join hands again in weathering the storm. The Chinese people forever cherish the traditional friendship with Africans and wish to have Africans as genuine brothers and good partners.

 

Ambassador Zhong speaks with Minister Pandor 

In terms of bilateral relations, Ambassador Zhong said that China-South Africa relationship has witnessed all-around, rapid development since our diplomatic relations was established in 1998. During the past 11 years, promoted by high-level visits and increasing political mutual trust, China and South Africa enjoyed the Strategic Partnership of equality, mutual-benefit and common development. Pragmatic cooperation between the two sides has borne fruits in various fields. China has become the largest trade partner and largest export destination of South Africa in regards to the adverse backdrop of the global financial crisis. The two countries also keep close consultation in the international arena. Last week, the Foreign Ministries of the two countries have successfully concluded the second Strategic Dialogue, reaching substantial consensus on major international and regional issues. There are new horizons to expand for this relationship.

  

   Ambassador Zhong shakes hands with Dr. Phosa             Ambassador Zhong welcomes Former Minister Pahad

Science and Technology Minister Pandor spoke on behalf of the South African government at the reception. She expressed appreciation for the role China has played during the founding and development of New South Africa. She emphasized that South Africa and China worked together not only on bilateral relations but also on international issues particularly on safeguarding peace and security in Africa, and securing a justified new world order. She pointed out that since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), great achievements have been made in eight fields including poverty-reduction, trade and investment. Now, FOCAC has become the most important mechanism in enhancing the relationship between Africa and China and in coordinating the positions and actions of the two sides on major international and regional issues. This mechanism has also set forward a strategic framework of mutual-benefit for the Africa-China relationship. She said that South Africa and China not only shares historical friendship but also learn from each other to create a better world. She reiterated the position of the South African government in participating in the Shanghai Expo 2010 and welcomed everyone to enjoy the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

                                                     

Photo exhibition at the reception

Guests at the reception all congratulated China for its tremendous achievements during the 60 years of founding and expressed satisfaction of their cooperation with their Chinese counterparts. They were entertained by the hospitality of the Chinese Embassy staff and have enjoyed Chinese food as well as the photo exhibition in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China before and after the reception.