China is ready to work with South Africa to earnestly implement our Heads of State’s important consensus, actively build partnerships in four aspects and join hands to build a high-level community with a shared future, said Chen Xiaodong, Chinese ambassador to South Africa at the reception celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa on 12 December 2023.

In his speech, Ambassador Chen summarised the historic achievements and valuable experience in growing China-South Africa relations over the past 25 years. He emphasised that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to South Africa in August this year, and he and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ushered the bilateral relations into the “Golden Era.”

Chinese Ambassador Chen Xiaodong speaks at the reception

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor extended her congratulations to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa. She positively remarked on how the relations have developed, and highly commended the outcomes of President Xi's state visit to South Africa. She said South Africa is ready to work with China to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields, and jointly make new achievements in improving bilateral relations in the next 25 years.

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor speaks at the reception

Ambassador Chen and Minister Pandor unveiled the commemorative envelope on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Africa diplomatic relations, and jointly visited a photo exhibition. Students from South Africa’s Confucius Institute and art school as well as the Chinese Art Group presented dancing performances showcasing traditions of the two countries.

The reception was held at Chinese Embassy in South Africa. Over 500 people were at the event, including Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe and Madame Gugu Motlanthe, ANC General Secretary Fikile Mbalula, nearly 10 South African cabinet ministers such as Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana and Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu, and representatives of Chinese-funded organisations and overseas Chinese in South Africa.