Pretoria - South Africa and China are participating in a strategic dialogue mechanism, which aims to consolidate and strengthen relations as well as monitor the implementation of bilateral agreements.
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo and her Chinese counterpart Zhang Ming are co-chairing the 8th session in Beijing today.
“The Strategic Dialogue will review the status of bilateral relations, progress on the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit, cooperation in the Oceans Economy, discussions on the High-Level Cultural People-to-People Exchange Mechanism, preparations for the 2nd Joint Working Group Ministerial and preparations for the 6th Bi-National Commission,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said on Wednesday.
The Strategic Dialogue Mechanism forms part of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) and reports to the International Relations Sectoral Committee, which provides the overall political framework for the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
South Africa and China enjoy cordial relations at the strategic partnership level, such as the frequent high visits and growing trade. In 2010, the two countries signed the Beijing Declaration on the Establishment of a CSP. They also have in place the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation, which is a further mechanism to enhance the successful implementation of the CSP. - SAnews.gov.za
