Pretoria is ready to further cooperate closely with Beijing in a mutually beneficial way, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said in a statement, noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the countries.
"As we mark this significant milestone in South Africa-China relations, our country stands ready to work closely with the government and people of China towards a shared future of meaningful and mutual benefit," the South African president remarked.
Ramaphosa noted that cooperation between Pretoria and Beijing runs both on a multilateral basis in institutions such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, BRICS, and the G20 alliance, as well as bilaterally through the 10-Year Strategic Program of Cooperation (2020-2029).
In this context, as the president emphasized, the cooperation of the countries in the field of energy, in which 200 Chinese companies are currently engaged in South Africa, is of particular importance.
Ramaphosa added that bilateral trade with China has grown exponentially in the years since the relationship was established, although there is the challenge of trade deficit in China's favor.
Reducing the trade deficit will be addressed in a face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will attend the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, the president pointed out.
Ramaphosa suggested that the solution lies in facilitating greater entry of South African goods, high value-added products and services into the Chinese market and emphasized the importance of stepping up trade.
"As partners in development, China and South Africa have long shared a common understanding that trade and investment are the foremost catalysts for improving the living standards of our respective peoples," the president remarked.
The South African president also singled out the tourism sector, where China is "an important source." Ramaphosa noted that "it is encouraging that direct flights between South Africa and China are increasing."
Chinese President Xi flew to South Africa on Monday morning to attend the 15th BRICS summit. The visit will last until August 24. In addition to attending the BRICS summit, Xi will preside over a dialog between Chinese and African leaders.