The South African embassy in Beijing held a grand reception in Beijing Thursday to celebrate the 12th Freedom Day of South Africa.

About 500 guests attended the occasion including officials from the two countries, diplomats of other embassies in China as well as representatives from international organizations. South African Ambassador to China Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga addressed the reception.

South Africa held first national election without racial-discrimination on April 27, 1994, in which Nelson Mandela was elected the president of South Africa. April 27 was then set as the South African Freedom Day.

China and South Africa forged diplomatic ties on Jan. 1, 1998.

Source: Xinhua