PRETORIA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in South Africa hosted a reception in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, on Wednesday to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
In his opening remarks, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng highlighted the deepening China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, saying the two countries have always supported each other's core interests.
Wu said China and South Africa, both important members of the Global South, share similar positions on major international issues and work closely to uphold world peace and promote development.
"As China and South Africa will successively hold BRICS chairmanships over the next two years, we stand ready to work together to take BRICS to new heights and bring greater opportunities to the Global South," he said.
Looking ahead, Wu said China and South Africa will work together to build a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future and make greater contributions to peace, development and prosperity.
Addressing the reception, South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille congratulated China on its 77th anniversary, saying that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, South Africa and China have built a relationship based on political trust, mutual respect and solidarity.
As the two countries celebrate the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, De Lille said South Africa is taking steps to attract more Chinese visitors, including easing visa access, strengthening direct air connectivity and equipping tourism practitioners with Mandarin language and cultural skills.
"We warmly welcome more Chinese tourists to experience our beautiful destinations, diverse culture and the warmth and hospitality of our people," she said.
Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe praised China's development experience and highlighted the historical ties between the two countries.
"May the next chapter of South Africa-China relations contribute to a shared future for humanity and the construction of an international order founded upon equality among nations, mutual respect and shared humanity," he added.
More than 600 guests, including South African political figures, representatives from various sectors and overseas Chinese in South Africa, attended the event. ■