In his speech, Ambassador Zhong congratulated the launch of the China – Africa Network. He said, China and South Africa are strategic partners. China has become the largest trade partner and export destination of South Africa. The two countries will convene the 4^th Bi-National Commission this year and have maintained sound collaboration in major multilateral issues such as G20 and climate change. The launch of China – Africa Network is timely and will serve as a bridge for the business cooperation and people-to-people exchange between the two countries.

Minister Nzimande highly evaluated the historical friendship between China and South Africa. He appreciated the support from the Chinese people to the anti-Apartheid struggle of the South Africa and called for the continent to strengthen partnership with countries like China, so as to raise itself out of the economic quagmire and address the issues like poverty and underdevelopment. He also encouraged the both sides to further enhancing their academic and higher education exchanges.

During the discussion afterwards, Ambassador Zhong reiterated the traditional  friendship between China and Africa and emphasized that Chinese people always bear in mind the great political support rendered by the African people in the previous decades and will try its very best to contribute to the development of the Africa continent.

China and Africa Network is initiated and coordinated by the GIBS and is aimed at facilitating people-to-people and business exchanges between China and Africa. It will launch eight projects on research and training within this year.