Top Chinese legislator Li Peng said China and South Africa should continue to improve bilateral ties in the future.
Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), made this remark Friday while meeting with a delegation from the National Council of Provinces of South Africa.
China and South Africa have improved bilateral ties markedly inpolitical, economic, trade, technological and cultural sectors since they established their diplomatic relations almost five years ago, Li said.
He particularly praised the parliamentary role in fostering thetwo countries' relations, saying the visit of the delegation wouldhelp promote the ties between China's NPC and the Parliament of South Africa.
Meanwhile, Li said China attached great importance to the development of its friendly, cooperative relations toward South Africa and also expressed his appreciation to the South African government for its adherence to "one-China" policy.
Naledi Pandor, national council chairwoman and head of the delegation, said that the examples of China's success in developing economy and in maintaining social stability could be useful to her country.
China was a good friend to South Africa because it has always supported South African people both in their fight against racism and apartheid in the past and in their present efforts to build a democratic nation, she said.