President Ramaphosa Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping In Bali

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday afternoon in Bali.

The two leaders discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people ties.

Xi emphasized that China has always considered its relationship with South Africa from a strategic perspective, and is committed to strengthening political mutual trust and further developing the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.

He went on to say that as China develops, it will create more opportunities for South Africa and other countries.

"China is willing to share its governance experience with South Africa and encourage South Africa to find a modernization path that meets its national conditions," he added.

President Xi also stated that the two countries will join forces to better align the Belt and Road Initiative with the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, cooperate more closely on Investment, and trade, support the implementation of FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) outcomes in South Africa, and encourage Chinese companies to invest and do business in South Africa.

China also supports South Africa in taking over the BRICS rotating chairmanship next year and stands ready to work with South Africa to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

President Ramaphosa congratulated Xi on his re-election as general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

He also congratulated him on the success of the 20th CPC National Congress, and the great achievements China has made in its development.

Ramaphosa thanked China for its efforts in helping Africa not only with the COVID-19 pandemic but also their ongoing struggles with debt relief.

Ramaphosa also stated that South Africa will, without any second thoughts, continue to resolutely stand by the one-China principle. He went on to say that his country is willing to take China as a role model in terms of green development and energy transformation.

Furthermore, they will actively engage in Belt and Road cooperation and welcome Chinese enterprises with open arms to invest and collaborate within South Africa.

Recently, several political leaders and dignitaries, including Ramaphosa, former President Thabo Mbeki, former President Kgalema Motlanthe, and General Secretary of the SACP Solly Mapaila, sent messages of support to congratulate the 20th CPC National Congress on its success.

They congratulated Xi Jinping on his re-election and expressed readiness to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC.