Chinese President Jiang Zemin and President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki agreed Monday to bolster friendly and cooperative relations to full scale and in various sectors between the two countries. Jiang and Mbeki, who is on a state visit to China, made the pledge when they jointly presided over the first session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

The commission was launched in accordance with the principles of a declaration signed by Mbeki and Jiang in Pretoria, South Africa, during Jiang's visit there last year.

Jiang spoke highly of the development of political relations between China and South Africa since the two countries established diplomatic ties some four years ago.

The two countries have intensified discussions and cooperation in international affairs through frequent high-level political exchanges, Jiang said.

The Chinese side appreciates the South African government's adherence to the "one-China" policy and support for China's stand on national reunification. The South African president also briefed Jiang on a new partnership program for the development of African nations. He said that the African nations are determined, by implementing this program, to solve their problems of war and underdevelopment through strengthening solidarity among themselves and through their own efforts, and with help from outside, to realize the goal of peace and development on the African continent. In addition, he expressed the hope that China would support this program.

Jiang stressed that continuous development of economic and trade relations between the two countries has made South Africa China's biggest trade partner in Africa, and China's investment in South Africa has been increasing steadily.

Following China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the trade and economic relations between the two countries will be further promoted, and their mutual complementary advantages will be brought to full play, Jiang noted.

With joint efforts between the two governments, the bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields will be elevated to a higher level in the new century under the principles of equality, mutual benefit, common prosperity and with focus on substantial effects, Jiang said.

Mbeki said that the launching of the bilateral commission is a historic moment in the bilateral relations, and will play an important role in promoting cooperative relations in all aspects.

The South African president also briefed Jiang on a new partnership program for the development of African nations. He said that the African nations are determined, by implementing this program, to solve their problems of war and underdevelopment through strengthening solidarity among themselves and through their own efforts, and with help from outside, to realize the goal of peace and development on the African continent. In addition, he expressed the hope that China would support this program.

Jiang said that China backs all the efforts of the African nations in pursuit of peace and development. He also spoke highly of the role of South Africa in formulating the program.

After their talks, both Presidents attended a press conference on the launching of the new commission. The two countries also signed a treaty on extradition and notes were exchanged between foreign ministers of the two governments on the modalities of the China-South Africa Bilateral Commission.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2001)