Ramaphosa in China for second state visit to solidify ties, talk trade
Despite the increase in bilateral trade, Ramaphosa said South Africa wanted to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of that trade.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is received by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and the People's Republic of China State Councillor Shen Yiqin at the Beijing Capital International Airport on 2 September 2024. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa is in China on a state visit aimed at cementing South Africa’s relations with the Asian superpower.
In their first engagement on Monday morning ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) later this week, Ramaphosa told his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that when South Africa hosts the G20 Summit next year, it would bring worldwide attention to the challenges facing Africa and countries of the Global South.
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He said that despite the increase in bilateral trade, South Africa wanted to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of that trade.
This is Ramaphosa's second state visit to China since he first took office in 2018.
The president said the government was encouraged by the procurement ties established with Chinese companies last year.
He urged for more sustainable manufacturing and job creation investments.
Ramaphosa said South Africa accepted China’s invitation to upgrade its current strategic partnership to one of all-round cooperation.
On a diplomatic level, Ramaphosa said the Government of National Unity would continue to pursue progressive internationalism, and was committed to the One-China policy.
Ramaphosa said he believed South Africa could find common ground with China on key regional issues and global challenges.
South Africa and China are expected to sign agreements in the fields of human settlements, agriculture, science, and technology during this visit.