South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his warm congratulations to his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on his election as the president of the People's Republic of China at the First Session of the 13th National People's Congress. President Xi's election is a vote of confidence by the people of China in his sterling leadership as well as his ability to steer China well into the future as a leading country that will positively impact on the global community, said a media statement from the South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

"South Africa is confident that the strong bilateral relations between our two countries built on a historical legacy of friendship and partnership will continue to grow in scope and stature in the coming years," said President Ramaphosa.

Since the establishment of bilateral ties in January 1998, cooperation in the political, economic and social spheres has grown significantly and continues to flourish.

President Ramaphosa said he wishes President Xi, as well as the government and the people of China, success and prosperity and looks forward to personally receiving President Xi during his visit to South Africa in July 2018 to attend the 10th BRICS Summit.

(The Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa March 18)