/ 18 July 2012

Zuma jets off to China for partnership talks

Jacob Zuma and Hu Jintao will exchange views on how to strengthen bilateral co-operation
Jacob Zuma and Hu Jintao will exchange views on how to strengthen bilateral co-operation

"The visit to Beijing takes place within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership concluded between the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China in August 2010," it said in a statement.

"The two leaders will exchange views on how to further strengthen bilateral co-operation, co-ordination within the G20, strengthening of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa forum and broader international developments."

Zuma left for China on Tuesday after returning from Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, where he attended the African Union (AU) summit.

His delegation to China includes International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane and Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies.

Zuma will attend the opening ceremony of the fifth Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (Focac) and is expected to give an address on Thursday.

The forum is on Thursday and Friday.

The presidency said South Africa would also assume co-chairmanship of the Focac partnership from Egypt, on behalf of the African side, for the next six years.

"The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation is one of the most strategic partnerships between Africa and [all of] its development partnerships," the presidency said. – Sapa