Beijing, China – The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Candith Mashego-Dlamini, has arrived in the People’s Republic of China for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. As part of her visit, the Deputy Minister will co-chair the 12th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue (SD) on May 24, 2023, alongside Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. DENG Li.
The South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue, established in 2008, serves as a crucial platform for reviewing and enhancing bilateral political and economic relations between the two nations at the ministerial level. This dialogue mechanism falls under the South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC) and plays a pivotal role in implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership shared between the two countries. The previous Strategic Dialogue took place virtually in 2021 due to the global pandemic.
Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini’s visit to China underlines the mutual commitment of both nations to further deepening their diplomatic cooperation and exploring new avenues of collaboration. The Strategic Dialogue provides an opportunity for high-level discussions on various strategic issues of shared interest, encompassing trade, investment, infrastructure development, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
During the upcoming dialogue, the South African and Chinese delegations will engage in substantive deliberations to identify areas of common interest and strategize on the best approaches to strengthen bilateral ties. This exchange of ideas will contribute to the continued advancement of the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across various sectors.
The strategic significance of this dialogue extends beyond political and economic cooperation, as it highlights the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two countries. By actively engaging in dialogue, South Africa and China demonstrate their shared commitment to promoting multilateralism, advancing global peace and security, and addressing common challenges such as climate change and sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister’s visit to China also presents an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration and investment. The growing economic ties between the two nations have resulted in increased trade volumes and significant Chinese investment in key sectors of the South African economy. Strengthening these economic bonds will undoubtedly bring mutual benefits and contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of both countries.
As the co-chair of the 12th South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue, Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini will play a crucial role in fostering meaningful dialogue and promoting cooperation between South Africa and China. Her visit symbolizes the commitment of the South African government to nurturing and expanding the long-standing relationship with China, thereby reinforcing the foundation of the comprehensive strategic partnership.
The outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue are expected to consolidate existing cooperation frameworks and pave the way for new initiatives that will deepen the relationship between South Africa and China. The discussions will also lay the groundwork for future collaborations and reinforce the shared commitment of both nations to a prosperous and mutually beneficial partnership.
The official visit of Deputy Minister Mashego-Dlamini serves as a testament to the enduring and strategic relationship between South Africa and China, underpinning the shared vision of peace, development, and cooperation.
