As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and China, Deputy Police Minister Fikile Mbalula on Friday signed a police cooperation agreement with his Chinese counterpart, Chen Zhimin.

Addressing the media briefly before going into a closed meeting with Chen, Mbalula said: "We are going to have very important discussions about public safety and security in the two countries. This is as relations between South African and China are evolving."

In a statement, the ministries outlined various ways of consolidating and exchanging intelligence information on drug trafficking, illegal immigration, money laundering, arms smuggling and trafficking of women and children.

"We believe that through the talks we will be able to work closely within the framework of enhanced policing," said Mbalula in the statement.

"This will result in providing assistance in case investigations and handing over of criminal suspects subject to the laws relating to mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and extradition."

Chen said that the minutes of the talks included exchange visits of high level officials and experts as well as promoting friendly communication between the countries' law enforcement authorities. "Both countries shall take within their own territory such measures as may be practical and feasible to ensure that institutions and persons from each country enjoy safety and security to the same extent as the inhabitants of the their respective countries," said Chen.