Pretoria – The SA-China Friendship Association has an important role to play in complementing the efforts of the respective governments to strengthen interaction between the two countries, said Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
“The SA-China People’s Friendship Association … is promising to be a dynamic forum for strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two countries,” Motlanthe said at a banquet in Beijing on Tuesday.
The association, which was officially launched in Johannesburg earlier this year, is an expression of non-governmental diplomacy and a broad platform for cooperation between the people of both countries.
The SA-China People's Friendship Association also provides a platform for both South Africans and Chinese to interact on their own, enabling them to share common standards of development and expertise in commerce, professionalism and also to benefit from cultural cross-pollination and indigenous knowledge exchanges.
Celebrations to mark SA, China milestones
This year marks the15th anniversary of formalised diplomatic relations between SA and China.
“In consequence, both our nations have agreed on celebrating this milestone in our unique relations through what is termed ‘South Africa’s Year in China in 2014’ and ‘China’s Year in South Africa in 2015’, which will see each of our countries hosting the other, characterised by activities and exchanges of high level visits,” said Motlanthe.
These celebrations are an opportunity for the SA-China People’s Friendship Association to make a notable contribution to further deepen relations between both people, bringing them even closer together in various facets of life.
The year 2014 marks 20 years of South Africa’s democracy.
“In the context of the growing relationship between both countries, I would like to recommend to this association to find ways of participating in these historic celebrations of democracy and freedom.”
The membership of SA-China People’s Friendship Association is made up of people with expertise in a wide range of fields and industries, including officials, scholars, lawyers, businessmen, athletes, actors, media people and doctors. – SAnews.gov.za
