Hon. Ms. W Ngwenya, House Chairperson (International Relations) of National Council of Provinces, extended her 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:

 

15 September 2020

The Consulate- General

Mr Lin Jing

People's Republic of China

 

Dear Mr Lin

 

Congratulatory message on the 71st anniversary of the National Day of the People's Republic of China

While I was preparing for the sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) which was scheduled on 15 September 2020 and whose agenda amongst others on the order paper was to debate the International day on democracy, something important crossed my mind that China will on the 01 October 2020 celebrate the 71st anniversary of the National Day of the People's Republic of China. As the House Chairperson responsible for International relations in the NCOP, which is the upper of Parliament similar to the Senate, I wish to send my sincere congratulatory and solidarity messages during the occasion marking the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Together with you we come a long way and we have been together through thick and thin holding hands fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. During the difficult period wherein we were swamped and inundated by the high infection rate of this pandemic in our country, you extended your helping hands to many people who were in dire need of food and personal protective equipment. Your contribution is greatly acknowledged and appreciated.

As South African parliament we are willing to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges with the National People's Congress of China and take bilateral relations to an even higher level. In our effort to strengthen our relations we have an obligation to exchange views on China-Africa and China-South Africa relations, especially the exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries.

We also realize that this year marks the 22st anniversary of South Africa-Peoples' Republic of China (PRC) diplomatic relations, that started with South Africa's adoption of the "One China Policy" in 1998. During these 22 years this dynamic relationship has grown to reflect a strategic partnership built on political trust; a commitment to economic interaction in a balanced manner that would deliver sustainable mutual benefits; and co-operation in multilateral fora to promote democracy in international relations and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

In 2010 the two countries signed the Beijing Declaration aimed at increasing trade volumes and encouraging investment by both countries. A component of this Declaration was to ensure that China opened its markets to South African exports and vice-versa, and this has borne fruits, given the increasing trade between our countries on a year-to-year basis.

It was China that extended the formal invitation to South Africa late in 2010 to join the BRIC formation of emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China). This is a confirmation of the growing economic ties between China and South Africa. With South African having joined, today we have BRICS and this "community of interests" is important in addressing the geopolitical issues that affect and are common to our two countries as well as to the other members of this community.

As South Africa, we are also fully behind the Africa-Sino relations and programmes such as Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). We do so because we believe that South Africa's strategic interests cannot be separated from Africa's strategic interests. What we are more pleased about regarding this relationship is that China does not interfere in the political governance of our African states.

We are also grateful for the "Belt and Road Initiative" adopted by the Chinese Government to help with development across the continents. Our Government, led by President Ramaphosa, has thus committed to integrate our own development to this Initiative.

By celebrating 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, we are determined and committed to working together with China, thereby creating a better life for our peoples. As we move forward, we will be guided by the principles of mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence and support.

As the wise African saying goes: "The nail supports the shoe, the shoe supports the horse, the horse supports humanity, and humanity supports the world".

With these words, I wish you a happy 71st anniversary characterized by happiness, peace and prosperity.

Yours sincerely

 

Hon. W Ngwenya, MP

House Chairperson International Relations

National Council of Provinces