Shanghai, China- President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening relations with China, describing the friendship between the two countries as an important foundation for deeper cooperation.
In a letter delivered by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai, President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for the goodwill shown by the Chinese people.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation [for] the people of China and their support for the friendship,” he said.
The message comes as South Africa participates in the forum as Country of Honour – becoming the first African country to receive the designation.
The honour places South Africa’s scientific and technological capabilities under the international spotlight while creating opportunities for the country to deepen cooperation with China.
South Africa’s participation also coincides with the commemoration of 28 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The relationship between South Africa and China has expanded over the years to include cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, science, technology and innovation.
President Ramaphosa’s message highlighted the role of international platforms such as the Pujiang Innovation Forum in advancing the partnership and creating opportunities for new collaborations.
The President said cooperation should be directed towards improving people’s lives, supporting industrialisation, addressing poverty and achieving sustainable development.
“It is my conviction that the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum will not only promote new ideas and partnerships but will also deepen our shared commitment to advancing innovation-led development and industrialisation, alleviating poverty and achieving sustainable development for all,” President Ramaphosa said.
His remarks emphasised that the South Africa–China relationship should translate into practical benefits for their citizens and contribute to the development priorities of the Global South.
The forum provides South African scientists, researchers and innovators with an opportunity to engage their Chinese counterparts, exchange expertise and explore partnerships in emerging scientific and technological fields.
President Ramaphosa also welcomed China’s contribution to global cooperation and reiterated South Africa’s support for multilateral approaches to addressing shared challenges.
“I congratulate the forum on its commitment to global cooperation and applaud its progressive support for multilateralism,” he said.
South Africa and China cooperate through several bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the countries’ Bi-National Commission and BRICS.
In March 2026, the two countries convened the ninth session of the South Africa–China Bi-National Commission during Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng’s working visit to South Africa.
The commission reviewed cooperation across several sectors and considered ways of further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Nzimande is leading a delegation of South African scientists, innovators, researchers and senior representatives of the National System of Innovation at the forum.
The delegation is expected to use the gathering to showcase South Africa’s capabilities, establish partnerships and advance the country’s science, technology and innovation priorities.
President Ramaphosa concluded by wishing the forum well and recognising those involved in its organisation.
“I wish the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum every success and congratulate all those who have contributed to its success,” he said.
South Africa has expressed hopes to secure new partnerships and take its scientific capabilities to higher levels through its participation in the forum.
READ | SA eyes stronger science partnerships at China innovation forum
Nzimande expressed this optimism, while addressing a South African media contingent upon his arrival in China on Friday evening. -SAnews.gov.za
