Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Friday that China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen political mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues related to their respective core interests and major concerns.
Mr Lee made the remarks during a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the 20th Group of 20 (G20) summit scheduled to take place here on Saturday and Sunday.
Premier Li conveyed to Ramaphosa his heartfelt greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that China and South Africa have been growing stronger over the decades, with friendships spanning mountains and oceans, treating each other as close brothers.
He said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and South Africa are working together to promote an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, aiming to benefit the two peoples.
Li said China is ready to inherit the traditional friendly relations with South Africa, expand cooperation in various fields, and continue to work together to better promote the common development of the two countries and the unity and cooperation between China and Africa as a whole.
The Chinese Prime Minister noted that the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee reviewed and adopted the recommendations of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Economic and Social Development Plan in October, and that South Africa announced a 10-point economic action plan.
Li said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in its development strategy and promote the early implementation of zero-tariff measures in the country.
Li called on the two countries to take advantage of complementary advantages in resources and economic structure, deepen cooperation in mining and infrastructure construction, develop new highlights in the automobile industry, explore possibilities in emerging fields such as new energy and artificial intelligence, and expand cooperation in science and technology innovation, including satellite navigation and the construction of joint laboratories.
He also called on China and South Africa to strengthen the exchange of experiences in poverty reduction and rural revitalization, and promote cooperation in areas such as public health, culture, education and youth, among others, to enhance the sense of fulfillment of the people.
According to Li, China and South Africa have jointly launched a cooperation initiative to support Africa’s modernization in order to encourage the international community to increase attention and investment in Africa.
Li also said that China is ready to work with South Africa to strengthen cooperation on platforms such as BRICS and the G20, implement the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi, maintain the multilateral trading system, promote reform of the global governance system, and protect the common interests of developing countries.
Mr Ramaphosa asked Mr Li to convey his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to President Xi. He said that reaching an agreement with President Xi on establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperation partnership in a new era has lifted bilateral relations to a historic new height and injected strong momentum into bilateral cooperation in various fields.
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa adheres to the one-China policy and reaffirmed that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory. He added that South Africa will continue to work with China and provide mutual support on issues that concern its core interests.
He expressed gratitude for China’s support for South Africa’s economic and social development, and said South Africa stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as trade, investment, mining, industry, science and technology, energy and infrastructure, public health, and poverty alleviation to bring more benefits to the peoples of both countries.
Ramaphosa said South Africa is ready to provide a safe and healthy environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the country, and is ready to work with other African countries to take full advantage of China’s favorable policies to deepen Africa-China cooperation.
Ramaphosa said South Africa highly values the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi.
He said South Africa sincerely appreciates China’s strong support for hosting the G20 summit, noting that China plays an important role in helping build consensus and realize the outcomes of the summit.
He added that South Africa stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within the United Nations, G20 and other multilateral frameworks to jointly uphold multilateralism. ■
