South Africa to host Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of 15th Brics Summit

Source: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco).

The State visit by President Xi will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening co-operation.The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.

South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations, and China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner by volume.China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.

Discussions during the state visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.The expected outcomes of the visit include:

It is anticipated that several agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed during the state visit, focusing on socio-economic co-operation, which both sides will ensure implementation that yields results for both countries.South Africa and China will co-host the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable scheduled for 24 August, and also engage on co-operation at multilateral level, particularly at the Focac level.

Katja Hamilton is at the Brics Summit this week in Johannesburg, reporting live for Bizcommunity.