The '2006 South Africa Experiences China' Cultural Programme will once again give South Africa a platform further to strengthen its excellent relations with the People's Republic of China, says President Thabo Mbeki in his letter dated 1 November 2006 to his Chinese counterpart President Hu Jintao. On behalf of all the people of South Africa, President Mbeki warmly welcomes the Programme and conveys his best wishes for its success.

South Africa and China share a common history of struggle which has over the years blossomed into stronger economic and political ties, and this Programme gives us the opportunity to engage, share and celebrate our diverse cultures in our endeavour to build strong people to people relations, President Mbeki says.

This programme is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenging path that the peoples of both our countries have traveled in our request to eliminate all forms of prejudice, oppression and injustice that we have experienced, President Mbeki says.

President Mbeki also expresses his happiness that South Africa and China will continue to work together to create networks for global partnerships that will ensure voices of the developing countries continue to be heard and heeded in multilateral institutions.