The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation issued a statement on Sunday highlighting the depth of relations and the importance of the strategic partnership between South Africa and China on the occasion of the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries since 1 January 1998.
The statement said that cooperation between the two countries has been at several levels: cooperation between different ministries, and trade exchanges that make China the largest trading partner of South Africa in the world and makes South Africa the largest trading partner in Africa. Similarly, state visits have taken place between the two countries as well as high-level dialogues.
Following China, South Africa will host and chair the 15th BRICS Summit this year, emphasising the determination of both countries to maintain close cooperation and partnership under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.