Hon. Mr. C.T. Frolick, House Chairperson of National Assembly of the South African Parliament, extended his best wishes on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The full text is as follows:

Congratulatory message by the Honourable House Chairperson of the National Assembly the Honourable C.T. Frolick, MP on the Occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the founding of The People’s Republic of China

His Excellency, Consul-General Mr Lin Jing, please allow me to convey to you on behalf of the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of South Africa our warm wishes on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the founding of The People's Republic of China.

The mutual friendship between our two countries were formalized on 1 January 1998 with the formalization of diplomatic relations. This relationship is based on mutual respect for our sovereignty and is crystallized in collaboration in key areas of development to the benefit of our people. The relations between our two countries have never been stronger and is based on mutual respect, friendship and solidarity. This was clearly evident when the government and people of China under the astute leadership of President Xi Jinping partnered with our country and other countries on the continent in the battle against the Covit-19 outbreak. This included assistance with the delivery of much-needed medical equipment and other relief interventions to bring dignity to our poor communities.

The support and solidarity displayed by the Chinese people is a true portrayal of the commitment and resolve to strengthen people to people relations between our countries. The leadership displayed by President Xi Jinping set an excellent example for other world leaders to emulate; he led decisively from the front by prioritizing the health of his people and the well-being of the medical workers on the front line.

This has been an extraordinary year as South Africa and China with other countries in the world implemented lockdown restrictions as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19, which has caused incalculable social and economic damage worldwide. The disruption has brought grief to some, financial difficulties to many and enormous changes to the daily lives of all of us. Collaboration and partnership at bilateral and multilateral level will continue to be crucial in fighting the devastation caused by the pandemic.

Since that historic visit undertaken by the first Speaker of our first democratic Parliament, Ms Frene Ginwala, MP to China in 1998 following the establishment of diplomatic ties, the successive Presiding Officers of both the National Assembly and the NCOP have continued to enjoy warm and cordial relations with the local mission and the people of China. The tremendous work of the Consulate has resulted in economic development and cultural relations in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape and created many jobs for the local people. Chinese investment in key areas also include the beneficiation of mineral resources, improvement of industrial capacity, and enhancement of agro-processing and energy, amongst other. Bilateral trade between our two countries is continuing to increase and China is South Africa’s largest partner.

The People's Republic of China is a trustworthy friend and reliable partner of South Africa and must be commended for its continued humanitarian and developmental support. Working together with the people of China we can together confront the common challenges facing our countries. We are united in our resolve to overcome the epidemic as soon as possible and bring prosperity to our people.

We have no doubt that our mutually interdependent relationship and friendship will continue to provide the foundation for further collaboration in the key areas towards our common destiny.

We salute our sister nation on this important milestone in its glorious history, and wish you well for the future.