Pretoria – South Africa is honoured to have been part of China’s commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the End of the Occupation of China and the Second World, says President Jacob Zuma.
"Over 35 million Chinese lost their lives defending their country during World War II. Despite this devastation, China emerged as among the world’s key nations and utilised its political influence and economic power to build friendships with other nations,” President Zuma said on Friday after concluding his visit to China.
The commemoration showcased China’s military capacity and commitment to working with the international community in the maintenance of peace, as well as security.
President Zuma said China played an important role in supporting liberation movements on the continent.
“This was evident during the 70th Anniversary celebrations as nine African countries were represented,” he said.
Accompanying the President to China was International and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and Energy Deputy Minister Thembisile Majola-Embalo.
President Zuma said there are lessons to be learned from China’s success which is due to patriotism and discipline.
He said South Africa should strengthen its security capacity in order to continue contributing effectively to peace and security on the Continent.
Bilateral relations
President Zuma and China’s President Xi Jinping also discussed the status of bilateral relations between the two countries, namely, the "Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation", which focuses among others, marine cooperation, infrastructure development and industrial development.
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
The two leaders also discussed South Africa's hosting of the Second Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled for 4 till 5 December in Johannesburg.
"As co-Chair of FOCAC for the period 2012-2018, South Africa looks forward to hosting this historic event. This will be the second Summit since the inception of FOCAC and the first on the African Continent," President Zuma said.
The President also had bilateral talks with his counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Sudan. – SAnews.gov.za
