Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong (L) shakes hands with visiting South African Vice President Jacob Zuma at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sept. 28, 2004.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said Tuesday that China and South Africa need to upgrade cooperation between the two countries.

While talking with visiting South African Vice President Jacob Zuma, Zeng said the two sides should comprehensively increase their political trust with each other and further increase their consultation and cooperation in international affairs, which help to shape and constantly enrich the strategic partnership between the two.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations six years ago, Zeng recalled, the relationship between China and South Africa hasdeveloped steadily.

At the second meeting of the bilateral committee, jointly presided over by Zeng and Zuma, the two sides specified that they are cultivating a strategic partnership toward equality, mutual benefit and common prosperity, Zeng acknowledged.

Both are resolved to make progress in trade and economic cooperation, education exchange, human resources development, consultation and cooperation on international and regional affairs,Zeng said.

Zeng spoke highly of domestic construction in South Africa and praised it for pushing forward the cause of peace and development in Africa.

Zuma sent his congratulations for the coming 55th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He said he admires the remarkable achievements made by the Chinese people in their reform, opening-up and economic development over recent decades.

He said he thanked China for its continued support of peace anddevelopment in Africa and that his China visit will be conducive to a better relationship between South Africa and China.