South Africa wants to learn from China's experience on governance

South African President Jacob Zuma said that his country is willing to learn from China's experience on governance to achieve more rapid development.

Zuma made the remarks while meeting with visiting Vice-Premier Liu Yandong at the president's residency in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Zuma asked Liu to extend his sincere wishes to President Xi Jinping and added that he was glad to see the quick implementation of the consensus reached between the two presidents on the establishment of the China-South Africa High-level People to People Exchange Mechanism.

The mechanism covers areas like education, culture, science and technology, health, youth, media, think tanks, tourism and sports.

On Monday, Liu attended and presided over the first meeting of the mechanism. Xi said in a congratulatory letter to the meeting that the mechanism is the first high-level dialogue between China and any African country to focus on people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The official launch of the mechanism will provide more opportunities for the people of both countries to participate in the development of South Africa-China relations and enjoy the benefit brought forward by the development of bilateral ties, Zuma said.

South Africa will never forget China's support during the country's anti-apartheid fight, Zuma said, while expressing willingness to speed up his country's development through deepening ties with China.

The president appreciated China's constructive role in safeguarding international peace and security and spoke highly of China's contribution to global economic development.

Zuma also expressed gratitude toward China's efforts to help African countries to achieve self-development, and he hoped to keep close communication and coordination with China under such frameworks as the United Nations and BRICS.

Liu extended Xi's sincere wishes to Zuma. She said that the China-South Africa relationship is enjoying its best period under the leadership of the two presidents.

The two countries have deepened political mutual trust continuously, made fruitful achievements in practical cooperation, and supported each other on issues of core interests and major concerns, Liu said.

The first meeting of the mechanism has been held successfully, and boosted people-to-people exchanges between the two countries in the future, she said.

China is willing to make joint efforts with South Africa to push forward these exchanges and enhance cooperation in areas including production capacity, energy, resources and infrastructure, Liu said, adding that the comprehensive strategic cooperation will benefit the people of both countries.

Mentioning that both China and South Africa are big powers in the G20 and BRICS, Liu said China would like to enhance communication with South Africa in international affairs to safeguard the interests of developing countries.