Jiang Zemin on Sino-S. African Friendship

Jiang Zemin on Sino-S. African Friendship

Visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Tuesday evening that the Pretoria Declaration on the Partnership between China and South Africa signed earlier on the day marked a new stage of the development of the bilateral relations.

"I believe that if our two peoples unite as one and cooperate extensively, we will be able to make new contribution to the progress and development of mankind," said Jiang at a banquet hosted by South African President Thabo Mbeki in Jiang's honor.

Both being important developing countries in Asia and Africa, China and South Africa share the same goals in safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries and promoting the establishment of a peaceful, stable, just and equitable new international political and economic order, Jiang said.

Therefore, he said to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and the peace and development of the world.

The past several years have witnessed remarkable progress the new South Africa, which was founded in 1994, has made in promoting national reconciliation, developing national economy and improving people's life, Jiang said, adding that South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in regional and international affairs.

"We sincerely hope that under the leadership of President Mbeki, the people of South Africa will score fresh achievements continuously in the lofty cause of building up their country," he said.

President Jiang is on a state visit to South Africa at the invitation of Mbeki. The five-nation tour has brought him to Israel, Palestine, Turkey and Greece. Jiang also met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in the Alexandria city of Egypt.