China, South Africa vow upgraded relationship

China and South Africa on Monday held their fifth plenary session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Beijing, vowing to upgrade their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The meeting, scheduled from Oct. 28 to 29, was co-chaired by Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao and South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

China-South Africa ties have made a leap forward since the two countries forged diplomatic relations 15 years ago, said Li, noting that China is confident about South Africa's development.

He expressed hope that the two sides will give full play to the mechanism of the bi-national commission and make long-term and strategic plans for the development of bilateral relations.

He called on the two sides to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of the economy and trade, science and technology, energy, agriculture, public administration and culture, and to strengthen coordination on major international and regional issues, so as to jointly advance bilateral ties.

Motlanthe said the development of bilateral relations has maintained robust momentum.

South Africa will work with China to enhance friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation in multiple areas, he said.

Before the meeting, the two sides held meetings of the subcommission on diplomacy, the economy and trade, science and technology, mining and energy.

Afterward, Li and Motlanthe attended the signing ceremony of a number of cooperative documents on tourism and public administration.