Year of South Africa in China launched in Beijing

The Year of South Africa in China, a year-long program to showcase South Africa's culture and charm, was launched in Beijing on Tuesday.

More than 50 events about South Africa including trade seminars, art programs and educational projects will be held in China during the year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma exchanged congratulatory messages on the program.

During Xi's state visit to South Africa in 2013, the two state leaders agreed to designate 2014 as the Year of South Africa in China and 2015 as the Year of China in South Africa.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the event, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao said this will be a major cultural event for China and South Africa, and would enrich the content of the bilateral all-round strategic partnership.

He believes the Year of South Africa in China will demonstrate a confident and diversified South Africa to the Chinese people and also reveal the friendship and close cooperation between the two nations.