Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola on January 11, during which he urged both countries to promote multilateralism and strengthen Global South cooperation.
Wang Yi also congratulated the ruling African National Congress (ANC) on the 114th anniversary of its founding and expressed confidence that through the concerted efforts of the ANC, South Africa would be able to face external challenges and achieve national development and recovery.
China is ready to maintain a high level of exchanges with South Africa, expand interactions between the parties, strengthen strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation. Wang Yi stressed that China will support the implementation of its nontariff measures for Africa and contribute to the economic development of South Africa so that the people of the country can benefit concretely.
Both sides are committed to ensuring the success of Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges and to further strengthen public support for friendship between China and South Africa and China and Africa. Wang Yi also praised South Africa's success in hosting the G20 Summit last year, which was held despite external pressures.
In a turbulent and uncertain world, China firmly supports South Africa's greater engagement in international affairs and stands ready to work with South Africa and other countries of the Global South in upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, rejecting the law of the jungle and hegemonism, and working together to protect the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Ronald Lamola appreciated Wang's visit to Africa in the New Year and thanked China for its support in hosting the G20 Summit and helping to promote the economic and social development of African countries. South Africa also reaffirmed its commitment to the one China principle and expressed its willingness to further strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people exchanges, improve multilateral coordination and continue to build China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era.
The two sides also shared views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.