On February 6, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his South African counterpart Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria. Both sides reviewed the successful experience and fruitful achievements of bilateral ties, especially those of the pragmatic cooperation, since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 10 years ago, and reached broad consensus on future development of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to view and develop bilateral ties from a strategic and overall perspective, push forward their cooperation in all areas, strengthen coordination and cooperation in African and international affairs, and actively push forward China-South Africa strategic partnership based on equality, mutual benefit and common development, so as to promote their friendship for generations.
Hu pointed out that the two countries share a profound traditional friendship. Hu said that China firmly stood alongside the South African people during their long-term struggle against apartheid and that the Chinese-South African ties have enjoyed fast, multi-facet and all-round growth since the two countries established diplomatic ties 10 years ago. The two countries have had fruitful bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture, tourism and justice with close people-to-people exchanges, he noted. Both sides have also maintained close communication and coordination in international affairs, he said. China is pleased with the sound momentum of the development of bilateral ties and appreciates South Africa’s adherence to the one-China policy and its support for China’ reunification cause, said Hu.