Xi: China supports South Africa's hosting BRICS Summit in 2018

President Xi Jinping meets with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Xiamen, Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

In the next stage, China is willing to work with South Africa to jointly fulfill the Belt and Road Initiative and the outcome of the Johannesburg summit of the Forum on China-Africa cooperation, deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields, and bring their ties to a higher level, Xi said.

The two sides should continue their reciprocal understanding of, and support for, each other's core interests and major concerns, and foster their high-level political mutual trust, Xi said.

The two countries should advance their cooperation in areas such as marine economy and production capacity, and reinforce cooperation in areas including culture, science and technology, health, tourism, youth, women and media.

As next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, both countries should make their cultural exchanges and celebrations a success, Xi said.

Zuma said the bilateral cooperation mechanism has been fruitful, and the two sides have achieved positive outcomes in exchanges and cooperation regarding economy and trade, investment, infrastructure and culture.

South Africa and China have maintained close communication and coordination in multilateral affairs, Zuma noted.

On Africa, Xi said China supports Africa's efforts to strengthen the building of its independent peacekeeping capability.

No matter how the international situation changes, China's commitment to achieving win-win cooperation and common development with Africa is unwavering, and China's support for the cause of peace and development in Africa is unwavering, Xi said.

China is willing to work with African countries on the further implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi said.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn