Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
20 April 2000
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces the State Visit of PRC President Jiang Zemin to South Africa from 24 – 27 April 2000. President Zemin will be accompanied by the First Lady Mme Wang Yeping, Vice Premier Qian Qichen and State Councilor (Mme) Wu Yi.
Since the advent of diplomatic relations just more than two years ago, relations between South Africa and the PRC have grown rapidly and in a comprehensive and all-round manner. The visit by President Jiang Zemin to South Africa will in many ways symbolise the warm and cordial relations already existing between South Africa and China. This visit will be the first by a Chinese President to South Africa; hence it’s great significance.
During his visit to South Africa, President Jiang will hold discussions with his counterpart, President Thabo Mbeki, at the Union Buildings on 25 April 2000. It is expected that discussions will focus on how South Africa and China could co-operate in ensuring the success of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum Ministerial Conference, scheduled to be held in Beijing during October 10- 12, 2000; exchange ideas on how China can become a partner and contributor to the African Renaissance; the promotion of investment, trade and tourism; and South-South cooperation. President Jiang will also visit Robben Island and the Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town.
President Jiang’s visit will afford South Africa the opportunity to elevate further the close partnership between South Africa and China through the establishment of a Binational Commission and the signing of a number of substantial cooperation agreements. It is envisaged that the following agreements will be ready for signing during the visit of President Jiang :
a. Merchant Shipping
b. Police Cooperation
c. Avoidance of Double Taxation
d. Phytosanitary Cooperation
e. Co-operation in Animal Health and Quarantine
f. Culture.
China is an important partner for South Africa in the economic development of both South Africa and Africa, and at multilateral fora such as in the UN system. South Africa and China are striving towards a partnership for growth, peace and prosperity. China, as the largest developing country in the world, has a long history of interest and involvement in Africa. There are great expectations in Africa that China will become a partner in the rebirth of Africa; and that Africa, with her abundance of mineral and agricultural resources, could become a major supplier of beneficiated and even manufactured products to China. According to South Africa trade statistics, in 1999 South African exports to China amounted to R 1,38 billion, while imports from China amounted to R 4, 6 billion. Chinese investment in South Africa has surpassed the R 500 million mark, while South African companies have invested more than R 4 billion in China. It is hoped that President Jiang’s visit will encourage China to look to South Africa as a dependable supplier of gold and agricultural products in the future.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell no. 082 9904 853