Chinese, South African presidents discuss bilateral cooperation

SEOUL, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao met Monday with South African President Jacob Zuma to discuss development of China-South Africa ties and exchange views on improving cooperation between the two countries.

Hu said the international situation is undergoing a profound and complicated transformation. Because of that, the Chinese president said, solidarity and cooperation among developing countries has become more important and pressing.

Under the Beijing Declaration, the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa is vigorously developing with frequent exchanges of high-level visits, increases in mutual political trust and expansion of cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, people-to-people exchange, science and tourism, Hu said.

He said China is willing to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with South Africa from three aspects to make it a good example for the unity and cooperation between major developing countries.

First, to promote political exchanges. The two countries need to keep frequent high-level exchanges and strengthen mutual understanding and support each other on issues concerning the core interests of the other side.

Second, to deepen pragmatic cooperation. The two countries should enhance mutual beneficial cooperation in fields such as infrastructure construction, finance, mining, nuclear power, new energy source, auto making and agriculture.