Chinese and South African legislatures on Monday launched a
regular exchange mechanism, pledging to further cooperation to
facilitate nation-to-nation relations.
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress, and the visiting South African National Assembly
speaker Baleka Mbete signed the memorandum of understanding on
establishing the mechanism.
Wu described the mechanism establishment as "a major event in
parliamentary exchanges," which will impose positive influence on
deepening bilateral cooperation and exchanges.
In talks with Mbete, Wu said the development of Nation-to-nation
relations needs support and participation of parliaments of China
and South Africa, proposing the two sides carry out pragmatic
exchanges on issues of common concern.
China and South Africa have conducted sound cooperation in
various fields, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples, said
Wu, adding that the two countries enjoy good trade cooperation as
South Africa is China's largest trading partner in Africa.
"China attaches great importance to the relations with South
Africa and will make joint efforts with South Africa to push
forward bilateral strategic partnership," said Wu.
On the China-Africa summit and the third ministerial meeting of
the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled to be held
in Beijing in November, Wu said the summit will help "write a new
chapter" for China-Africa friendly cooperation.
South Africa values relations with China, said Mbete, adding the
National Assembly will work for further progress of Africa-China
relations.
Mbete is paying a visit to China from September 22 to 30.
(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2006)
