Chinese, South African presidents hold talks to cement partnership

Chinese President Xi Jinping walks with South African President Jacob Zuma upon his arrival at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, December 2, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

PRETORIA -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, held talks here Wednesday, discussing ways to further the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two emerging economies.

During the talks, the two heads of state agreed to lift bilateral ties to a new height by fully implementing the 5-10 Years Strategic Plan on Cooperation between the two nations and co-chairing the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Prior to the talks, Zuma hosted a 21-gun salute welcome ceremony at the Union Buildings for Xi, who arrived in Pretoria just hours ago for a state visit to South Africa. It is Xi's second visit to the "rainbow nation" as China's head of state.