Deputy Pres. Han Zheng and Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile in Cape Town. (Photo: GCIS)
South Africa would like to work with China on the modernization of South Africa’s ports, rail and road networks.
Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile met with his Chinese counterpart in Cape Town on Thursday. Deputy Pres. Han Zheng is currently on a working visit to South Africa and the promotion of shared modernization was on the agenda.
Mashatile believes Han’s visit is symbolic of South Africa and China’s “enduring friendship, mutual respect and shared commitment to development”.
In his opening speech at the ninth session of the South Africa-China binational commission on Thursday, Mashatile pointed out that South Africa and China entered into formal diplomatic relations 28 years ago this year.
“In the nearly three decades, our bilateral relationship has grown in depth, scope and strategic importance, contributing significantly to economic development and reflecting our shared aspiration to accelerate development in both our countries.”
Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile in Cape Town. (Photo: GCIS)
Mashatile believes the growing investment footprint of Chinese companies in South Africa is encouraging.
“Investments such as the Hisense Industrial Park in Atlantis, Cape Town, demonstrate the potential for industrial collaboration to promote job creation, skills development and local economic growth.
“We see significant potential to further expand cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly in the modernization of ports, rail and road networks, which continue to be critical to unlocking economic growth and enhancing regional integration.
“Although South Africa maintains strong relations with all important global partners and actively participates in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the G20, Brics and the International Criminal Court, our partnership with China has become increasingly prominent.”
According to Mashatile, South Africa’s approach to international relations today is still guided by its national interest, namely to promote the development of its people through inclusive economic growth.
“In this regard, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that its partnership with China delivers practical outcomes that improve the lives of its people and contribute to sustainable development in both our countries,” Mashatile said on Thursday.
Vice President. Han Zheng in Cape Town. (Photo: GCIS)
Deputy Pres. Han Zheng and Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile in Cape Town. (Photo: GCIS)
Deputy Pres. Han Zheng and Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile in Cape Town. (Photo: GCIS)
Deputy Pres. Han Zheng and Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile met in Cape Town on Thursday. (Photo: GCIS)
Deputy Pres. Han Zheng and Deputy Pres. Paul Mashatile met in Cape Town on Thursday. (Photo: GCIS)