People-to-people exchanges key to bilateral ties, S. African ambassador says

People-to-people exchanges are valuable for promoting deeper political and economic cooperation, said South Africa’s ambassador to China on Thursday.

During the 2023 China-South Africa Friendship Night in Beijing, Ambassador Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele pointed out that the spirit of unity and harmony showed in South African dances is also similar in Chinese culture, which shows the deep root of connection between the two peoples.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of bilateral relations between South Africa and China. Over the past 25 years, China and South Africa have been deepening the relationship. The two countries have witnessed increasingly closer bilateral ties, advancing from partnership to to a comprehensive strategic partnership now, as South Africa has signed the memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative.

"You cannot have a good political relationship if people from different countries are not friendly to each other in the first place," the ambassador said. "As South Africa and China have different political systems, the friendship between our two peoples can help people in South Africa better understand China’s own political system and learn how China developed so fast.

"When Chinese tourists come to our nation, they always show respect to our culture and they want to know more about our civilization. That’s why we love Chinese travelers," Cwele said.

He also recalled that South Africa received support from China during its early struggles for independence. "A friend in need is a friend indeed. We will never forget the support that our Chinese friends gave us," he said.

"The people-to-people exchanges back then contributed to a stronger political and economic collaboration between us today, which will in turn benefit our peoples."