For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Ramaphosa, Xi meet to strengthen SA-China ties ahead of BRICS summit; Motsoaledi to lead SA delegation to International Aids Conference; And, President Buhari returns to Abuja from Netherlands

Ramaphosa, Xi meet to strengthen SA-China ties ahead of BRICS summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa today hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping at his Union Buildings offices in the capital Pretoria for a state visit in which the two will seek to strengthen relations between their countries ahead of a summit of the BRICS group which also includes Brazil, Russia and India.

Ramaphosa and Xi were received by a guard of honour and the South African leader introduced his China counterpart to members of his government ahead of the bilateral meeting, which the Presidency said was taking place within the context of strengthening political, economic and social ties.

Xi arrived at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria last night, the first BRICS leader to arrive for the group's 10th summit to run on July 25-27 in the commercial hub of Johannesburg.

The Chinese president earlier made a stop in Rwanda for a two-day state visit and signed at least 12 bilateral memorandums to strengthen cooperation, including on visas with his counterpart Paul Kagame.

Motsoaledi to lead SA delegation to International Aids Conference

Deputy President David Mabuza yesterday delegated Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to lead a strong South African delegation to the 22nd International AIDS Conference taking place in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The conference will take place from July 23 to 27, under the theme: “Breaking Barriers Building Bridges”.

The Presidency said Mabuza will join President Cyril Ramaphosa as South Africa hosts the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

The Presidency said through Minister Motsoaledi, the Deputy President has conveyed his sincere apology to the conference and especially to more than 500 South African delegates consisting of AIDS activists, researchers, scientists, government officials, HIV/AIDS ambassadors as well as Premiers, Deputy Ministers and MECs that are in attendance.

South African Ambasador to the Netherlands Bruce Koloane has welcomed all members of the SA delegation to Amsterdam, urging them to be positive ambassadors for South Africa and to make a strong country impression to this global gathering.

The conference is expected to provide the 18 000 delegates with the latest HIV research, as well as an opportunity to reflect on key issues facing both the HIV sector and the broader global health community.

And, President Buhari returns to Abuja from Netherlands

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a successful 3-day official visit to Netherlands, where he delivered a Keynote Address at the 20th Anniversary of the International Criminal Court.

Alhaji Bashir Ahmed, President Buhari’s Personal Assistant on Social Media, confirmed this development on his twitter page on Wednesday in Abuja.

While addressing the ICC today, President Buhari assured the international community of a free, fair and peaceful 2019 general elections in Nigeria.

He maintained that under his watch, the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections, necessitating preliminary investigations by the ICC would not happen again in Nigeria.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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