South Africa appreciates China's support for the upcoming BRICS summit: Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday appreciated China's valuable support for his country to host the BRICS Summit in August, and said South Africa is well-prepared to make the upcoming meeting a success.

Ramaphosa made the remarks in a phone conversation with visiting senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, who is attending the 13th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security in Johannesburg

The South African president extended his greetings and good wishes to President Xi Jinping through Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

South Africa pays high attention to its relations with China and hopes to strengthen their bilateral friendship and cooperation in all areas, Ramaphosa said, noting that the African country expects to take the summit as an opportunity to promote greater development of bilateral ties and the Africa-China relations.

Wang conveyed Xi's sincere greetings to Ramaphosa and expressed China's support for South Africa to host the upcoming summit.

China believes that South Africa will succeed in hosting the summit, coordinating all parties to reach consensus on BRICS cooperation, promoting the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights, and strengthening China-Africa unity and cooperation, he said.

Wang noted that as "both a comrade and brother" of South Africa, China will firmly stand with the African country and support the country's development and revitalization efforts, regardless of the changing international situation.

Beijing supports South Africa in playing a greater role on regional and international stages, he added.

During Wang's visit to South Africa, he also met with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor.