Your Excellency President Lula Da Silva,
Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin
Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Your Excellency President Xi Jinping,
Your Excellency Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank,
Chair of the BRICS Business Council, Ms Busi Mabuza,
Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, Ms Lebogang Zulu,
Honourable Ministers,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Welcome to South Africa and to the 15th BRICS Summit.

The BRICS partnership straddles four continents and five countries that are home to almost three and a half billion people. 

Over the past decades the bloc has been a major driver of global growth, trade and investment.

BRICS stands for solidarity and for progress. 

BRICS stands for inclusivity and a more just, equitable world order. 

BRICS stands for sustainable development.

We are an inclusive formation of developing and emerging economies that are working together to benefit from our rich histories, cultures and systems to advance common prosperity.

We do so because we know that poverty, inequality and underdevelopment are the biggest challenges facing humankind.

We are therefore determined that the BRICS partnership must be harnessed to drive an inclusive global economic recovery.

Advancing the African agenda is a strategic priority for South Africa during its Chairship of BRICS.

It is for this reason that we have chosen as the theme of this year’s Summit: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." 

We welcome the ongoing engagement of BRICS countries with Africa in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect.

Our objectives are reciprocal trade and investment. We want the goods, products and services from Africa to compete on an equal footing in the global economy.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate mutually beneficial opportunities for both African and BRICS countries.

As nations of the world confront the effects of climate change, we must ensure that the transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient future is just, fair and takes into account differing national circumstances.

In line with this objective, BRICS nations need to advance the interests of the Global South and call for industrialised countries to honour their commitments to support climate actions by developing economy countries.

Peace and stability are preconditions for a better, more equitable world.

We are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship.

As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts.

We are concerned that global financial and payments systems are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical contestation.

Global economic recovery relies on predictable global payment systems and the smooth operation of banking, supply chains, trade, tourism and financial flows.

We will continue discussions on practical measures to facilitate trade and investment flows through the increased use of local currencies.

The world is changing. 

New economic, political, social and technological realities call for greater cooperation between nations.

These realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity.

While firmly committed to advance the interests of the Global South, BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order.

We are confident that this 15th BRICS Summit will advance the cause of common prosperity and progress.

We are confident that this 15th BRICS Summit will enrich and inspire our work towards the achievement of a more humane global community.

I thank you.

Your Excellencies, Leaders of the BRICS nations,
Your Excellencies, Leaders from across Africa,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of the Global South,
Representatives of global and regional institutions,
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
 
Good Evening.

Thank you for accepting my invitation to join us tonight as we celebrate being together on a night which I trust you will find joyful and pleasant.

It is also a night when we thank you for joining the BRICS countries prior to tomorrow’s BRICS Outreach programme.

The BRICS group of countries incorporates the peoples, cultures and traditions of more than 3 billion people. 

We are united by our common vision and common goals.

Our diversity is our greatest strength, and tonight you will get to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and foods of South Africa.

Our head chef tonight is Wandile Mabaso, a world class chef who pairs classical French techniques with the wonderful flavours of South Africa.

He is joined by Xolani Mancotywa, a qualified beverage steward and chef who has reimagined traditional African cuisine and authentic African fine dining.

Your culinary journey of South Africa follows a cultural journey across our nation's diverse cultures.

We hope that this evening you will experience South Africa's story, one that interweaves our many different cultures, traditions and languages as the foundation of an inclusive nation.

It is a story that reflects the nature and purpose of BRICS, which values partnership and cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity.

As BRICS - and all of Your Excellencies who have joined us tonight from many countries - we will all tomorrow articulate how we will foster change in the world for the benefit of all the peoples of the world.

Tonight is a night when we have even more reason to celebrate as BRICS partners.

A few hours ago this afternoon, India made history as the first country to successfully land a lunar module on the south pole of the Moon.

We congratulate Prime Minister Modi, the government and people of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the success of the Chandraayan-3 mission.

Pushing forward the frontiers of scientific endeavour is integral to human progress.

In anticipation of this great achievement Prime Minister Modi proposed at our BRICS Summit this afternoon that BRICS should set up a Space Exploration Commission where, as BRICS countries, we can share knowledge and experiences.

The more we learn about this world we live in and beyond, the greater our capacity to improve it and to elevate the human condition.

In the words of the great poet and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore: “We are in a palace which has no end, but which we have reached. By exploring it and extending our relationship with it, we are ever making it more and more our own.”

This and many other achievements enable us to move forward to prosperity, to progress and to peace.

Once again welcome and please do enjoy this celebration of unity, diversity and shared progress.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”. The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation today, Wednesday 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama. President Ramaphosa is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,
Your Excellency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Ministers and Officials,
Business Leaders,
Friends,
 
It is a great honour to participate in this Leaders’ Session of the BRICS Business Forum.
 
I thank you all for your attendance and participation.
 
The BRICS group of countries exists not only to strengthen government-to-government relations, but also to forge stronger ties between the peoples of our five nations. It is for this reason that several bodies have been established to enable cooperation across society. 
 
The BRICS Business Council is a vital and vibrant platform for strengthening economic ties between our respective countries and in forging common perspectives on inclusive economic growth and development.
 
The changes that have taken place in BRICS economies over the past decade have done much to transform the shape of the global economy. 
 
Together, the BRICS countries make up a quarter of the global economy, they account for a fifth of global trade and are home to more than 40 per cent of the world’s population.
 
As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of BRICS, trade between BRICS countries totaled some $162 billion last year. 
 
Foreign investment has played an important role in the growth of BRICS economies.
 
Total annual foreign direct investment into BRICS countries is four times greater than it was 20 years ago. 
 
However, the new wave of protectionism and the subsequent impact of unilateral measures that are incompatible with WTO rules undermine global economic growth and development. 
 
We therefore need to reaffirm our position that economic growth must be underpinned by transparency and inclusiveness. It must be compatible with a multilateral trading system that supports a developmental agenda.
 
We require a fundamental reform of the global financial institutions so that they can be more agile and responsive to the challenges facing developing economies.
 
In this respect, the New Development Bank, established by BRICS countries in 2015, is leading the way. Since its formation it has demonstrated its ability to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies without conditionalities.
 
BRICS economies have emerged as powerful engines of global growth.
 
Yet the rapid economic, technological and social changes underway create new risks for employment, equality and poverty in many BRICS countries. 
 
We therefore call on the business community to join hands with us to identify solutions to these and other challenges affecting our respective economies.
 
From a South African perspective, there is massive untapped potential for investment in our country and on the African continent.
 
In recognition of this potential, the theme for this 15th BRICS Summit is:
‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism’.
 
Africa is a continent of great opportunity in the industrialisation process in a variety of sectors. 
 
Africa is a continent rich in the critical minerals that will drive business success in the 21st Century. 
 
The continent has resources of lithium, vanadium, cobalt, platinum, palladium, nickel, copper, rare earth minerals, rhodium and many others.
 
African countries have made it clear that the investors of choice are those who will process the resources here, close to source.
 
We are developing stronger regional value-chains that will connect a number of African countries, providing investors with diversity, strength and resilience. 
 
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates a single market that is expected to grow to 1.7 billion people and nearly $7 trillion in consumer and business spending by 2030.
 
The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area will require a massive investment in infrastructure. We need to mobilise the substantial financing needed to build the roads, ports, rail, energy and telecommunications networks that will enable industrialisation and trade.
 
Growth in African economies will be driven in the main by small and medium enterprises. This requires focused and effective support to these businesses. It is important that specific financing be directed to women-owned businesses so that they can harness the benefits of the continental free trade area.
 
Africa has a young, digitally-connected and urbanising population, which provides a stable workforce for companies in future. The investment in skills development is growing.
 
These factors all position Africa as the next frontier of productivity and growth.
 
BRICS countries have an opportunity to contribute to and participate in Africa’s growth story. This can be achieved through greater cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, new energy and the digital economy.
 
South Africa has an important position in this growing African market, facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area and other free trade agreements. 
 
South Africa's industrial strength, our mineral endowments and our large market opportunities provide a compelling value-proposition for companies wanting to establish their businesses here. 
 
South Africa has significant industrial capacity, with Africa’s most advanced industrial innovation and fabrication base. 
 
Firms that have invested here recognise that South Africa has deep local capital markets and strong financial systems. We have a diverse and sophisticated economy.
 
South Africa possesses world-class infrastructure, skills, abundant natural resources, industrial clusters and a host of incentives to support investment. 
 
Many investment and partnership opportunities exist in renewable energy, infrastructure, aquaculture, ICT, automotives, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing, among others. 
 
It is clear from the report that we have received that this has been a most productive Business Forum.
 
I commend the BRICS Business Council, the respective Ministers and officials and all the business leaders that continue to contribute to this valuable work.
 
I sincerely hope that your participation in this BRICS Business Forum will yield the productive outcomes required for us to catapult BRICS economies towards more equitable and accelerated growth.
 
I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Mr Johaar Mosaval, the retired, pioneering dancer and Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga. President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the family and associates nationally and internationally of Mr Mosaval who has passed away at the age of 95.

In 2019, President Ramaphosa bestowed the National Order of Ikhamanga (Gold) on Mr Mosaval for his exceptional contribution to the performing arts, particularly ballet dancing. His exceptional talent led him to be the first black South African to become a senior principal dancer at the Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom.

A resident of District Six, Mr Mosaval was the first black South African to become a senior principal dancer at the Royal Ballet, which is the highest rank in the profession at one of the world’s most prestigious classical ballet companies. His journey to the Royal Ballet at the height of apartheid saw him dancing for Queen Elizabeth II and being the first black performer on the ‘whites-only’ Nico Malan stage in the 1970s.

He performed, mostly as a soloist, all over the globe, and has shared the stage with the likes of prima ballerina’s Margot Fonteyn, Elaine Fifield and Doreen Wells. He became revered for his wide-ranging styles and flawless technique and was chosen to dance in Benjamin Britten’s Opera Gloriana, the first performance presented at the Royal Opera House, London, in 1953, during the celebrations of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

After two years in London, Mr Mosaval excelled at his studies and returned home in 1976. He started teaching in Mitchells Plain and Paarl in the Western Cape. While dancing in Michel Fokine’s Petruskha, Mosaval’s contract stated that he was not allowed to touch a white ballet dancer with his bare hands. By 1975, the theatre allowed all races onto its premises, but black people required a permit to enter. As a result, the boycott of the theatre lasted until the end of apartheid.

Mr Mosaval opened his own ballet school in 1977 and was employed as the first black Inspector of Schools of Ballet under the then Administration of Coloured Affairs. He resigned from this position when he discovered that he could share his expertise only with a certain segment of the population. Subsequently, the apartheid regime closed his school because it was multiracial.

Following the principles of his mentor, Dulcie Howes, Mosaval wanted to share his knowledge and love of ballet with students of all races, so he continued to find ways to dance and to teach.

President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Johaar Mosaval is a great loss to our nation’s cultural treasury. “Johaar Mosaval was an outstanding human being and creative who complimented his personal achievements with a deep interest in developing the communities in which he lived and performed.

“His life story is one that fills us at one level with pride and inspiration but which also reopens for us the inhumanity and hurt that apartheid inflicted on individuals and entire sectors of our society, including our cultural life and the performing arts. “Under difficult conditions, Johaar Mosaval enjoyed and leveraged his life of celebrity to create a legacy of service to the people of Cape Town and our nation more broadly. May he rest in peace.”

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Sunday, 20 August 2023, participate in a national celebration of the launch – 40 years ago to the day – of the anti-apartheid United Democratic Front (UDF) in the Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

Sunday’s national celebration has been organised by UDF40, a formation headed by founding UDF leaders to celebrate and commemorate the UDF’s legacy and rekindle, through community-led action, the movement’s core principles of non-racialism, non-sexism and democracy in present-day South Africa. This reignition is framed by the theme “Building Active Citizenry for Accountability and Transformation”.

The occasion in the Old Johannesburg City Hall from 13h00 to 17h00 on Sunday is part of an extensive programme of celebratory and commemorative events around the country to recall the establishment of the UDF, reflect on its contribution to the liberation struggle under its 1983 “UDF Unites. Apartheid Divides” banner, and to deliberate the application of its values to South Africa today.

Sunday’s event will feature reflections by different sectoral representatives on the relevance today of the UDF; recollections of the diverse campaigns and organisations which formed part of the UDF’s mobilisation, and a high-level discussion on the legacy of and lessons from the UDF.

President Ramaphosa will participate in this high-level discussion alongside Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and Popo Molefe, who was part of the formation of the UDF and was elected as Secretary of the Transvaal region before becoming National Secretary.

Sunday’s event will also commemorate the sacrifices made and struggles faced by activists and community members associated with the UDF.

A cultural programme will run throughout the proceedings.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.  

The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023. 

The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung conference of 1955. 

Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029).

The State Visit by President Xi on 22 August will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.

The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.

South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations and China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner by volume.

China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.

Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES 

a. To reaffirm the close and historic political ties underpinned by solidarity, win-win partnership and people-to-people cooperation – within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations.
b. To underscore the urgent need to address trade balance and diversify South African exports to China by identifying broad market access for value-added products.
c. To highlight the importance of sustainable foreign direct investment through supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and beneficiation and encourage close private sector engagement from both countries.
d. To acknowledge the support of China on bilateral technical cooperation under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in addressing South Africa’s domestic imperatives.
e. To exchange views on regional issues in support for development, peace, and security.
f. To enhance multilateral cooperation, specifically within the context of BRICS, the G77 plus China, and the G20 and to seek Chinese support for South Africa and Africa’s call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.

It is anticipated that several Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both our peoples. 

South Africa and China will also co-host China-Africa Leader’s Roundtable scheduled on 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers from China and South Africa,
Ambassador of China and South Africa,
Senior officials,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to officially welcome you, President Xi, on your fourth State Visit to South Africa.

This visit takes place in the year that we celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and South Africa.

Our relations over the last quarter of a century are founded on South Africa’s commitment to the One China Policy.

The relationship between the people of South Africa and China stretches back many decades. We recall with deep gratitude the support of the Chinese people for our struggle for freedom and democracy.

China has been a valued friend and developmental partner of South Africa throughout the course of rebuilding our country from the ruins of apartheid.

I wish to make special mention of China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of personal protective equipment, vaccines and other essential items to South Africa and other African countries. This support extended to the cancellation of the debt of a number of Africa countries.

We thank you, President Xi, for these acts of generosity and solidarity.

South Africa deeply appreciates China’s support in addressing our current energy challenges. This includes the donation of emergency power equipment worth R167 million and availing a grant of approximately R500 million as development assistance.

Chinese companies, encouraged by your government, responded with enthusiasm to our investment drive, which has raised more than R1.5 trillion in investment commitments over the last five years.

Building on this firm foundation, we should continue to provide each other with mutual support.

Over the years, the relationship between South Africa and China has been steadily strengthened and has transformed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that is underpinned by 10-Year Strategic Programmes of Cooperation. 

China and South Africa share common goals of economic growth, development and common prosperity for our respective countries and for all countries of the Global South. It is this common outlook that has enabled us to deepen our cooperation on several fronts.

South Africa maintains high-level cooperation with China in several areas. These include, but are not limited to, international politics, trade, investment, infrastructure development, science, innovation and education. 

Energy cooperation with China is a recent development that we look to deepen, particularly in line with our respective commitments to low-carbon, climate resilient development.

This year has seen the resumption of in-person engagements at the various levels of our structured bilateral mechanisms. Examples of this are the Strategic Dialogue that took place in Beijing in May and the High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism in Cape Town in February. The Binational Commission is also scheduled to take place in November this year. 

China is South Africa's largest global trading partner. South Africa is also China's biggest trading partner in Africa and an important destination for Chinese investment in Africa. 

Our bilateral trade has grown exponentially, from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022. As South Africa, we would like to see the significant trade deficit narrowed and this visit is an opportunity for us to look at ways to do so.

Development cooperation between China and South Africa is strong. 

As South Africa, we are inspired by China’s common prosperity strategy, and are encouraged that this includes improving the welfare and well-being of all countries of the Global South.

Welcome the progress that has been made regarding various FOCAC-related infrastructural development projects in South Africa, such as small harbours development and the flagship uMzimvubu Water Development project.

We are looking forward to hosting the 15th BRICS Summit, having taken over from China as Chair in 2022. We thank China for its support in convening this Summit.

We share your view, President Xi, that BRICS has a vitally important role to play in the reform of global governance and in the promotion of multilateralism and cooperation throughout the world.

South Africa and China have similar views on the expansion of BRICS membership and we look forward to the discussions we will have on this matter during the BRICS Leaders’ Retreat.

We look forward to co-chairing the Africa-China Leaders’ Roundtable alongside you. 

This is a valuable opportunity to take forward the growing relationship between China and the continent of Africa founded on respect, mutual-benefit and good faith. We agree that this is an opportunity to expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, new energy and the digital economy.

South Africa and China have expressed similar positions in support of the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue and negotiations.

As South Africa we look forward to another 25 years of friendship and cooperation with China, and well beyond. 

At a time when the world faces many geopolitical, social, economic, environmental and other challenges, it is up to us to deepen our cooperation and turn challenge into opportunity as we build a shared future.

As friends and BRICS partners, we stand together in our shared quest for a better, more egalitarian world that frees the potential of all peoples.

I invite you now, President Xi, to make your opening statement.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening, 20 August 2023 address the nation on South Africa’s Foreign Policy and the upcoming BRICS Summit. 

The SABC will provide the feed to all media and PresidencyZA will also live stream the proceedings.
 
The address is scheduled to take place at 20h00.
 
 
Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – 082 835 6315
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Your Excellency President Xi Jinping,
Honourable Ministers,
Ambassadors from China and South Africa,
Members of delegations,
Members of the media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

South Africa is honoured to receive President Xi Jinping on his fourth State Visit to South Africa.

This visit coincides with 25 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China.

We are grateful for the support and friendship that China has provided as we have worked to rebuild and transform our country after the devastation of apartheid.

We recall with gratitude the solidarity demonstrated by China during the COVID-19 pandemic when it supplied much-needed equipment, materials and vaccines to African countries. 

During this State Visit, South Africa and China have reaffirmed political support for each other’s core interests. 

We also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy, tourism, education and training, and digital technologies.

China is South Africa’s largest trading partner and South Africa is China’s biggest trading partner in Africa.

We have discussed the need to narrow the trade deficit between South Africa and China, and that one of the ways to do this is by ensuring greater market access for value-added South African export goods into the Chinese market.

On multilateral cooperation, President Xi and I have agreed to consult closely on issues of common concern, including in the context of BRICS, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the G77 plus China, and the G20.

We have discussed areas of synergy in line with the call by South Africa and other African countries for the reform of institutions of global governance, notably the United Nations Security Council. 

We agree that the interests of the Global South must be fairly represented on all multilateral fora. 

President Xi and I discussed the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and its significant impact on developing economies in Africa and elsewhere. 

We both agreed on the importance of dialogue and negotiation between the two sides. As South Africa, we are encouraged that President Xi has welcomed the peace mission to Russia and Ukraine initiated by African leaders.

President Xi and I look forward to the upcoming BRICS Summit, and have agreed that BRICS must play an expanded role in global affairs. 

President Xi and I will be co-chairing a China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable on the sidelines of this State Visit.

The purpose of this roundtable is to further deepen cooperation between China and the African continent on the development, industrialisation and integration of African economies.

We are gratified that the friendship between the People’s Republic of China and South Africa has endured. 

The friendship that exists between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China is living proof of what is set out in the Freedom Charter, which is the forerunner of the South African Constitution, which declared that: “There shall be Peace and Friendship.”

We look forward to a new era of even stronger ties, underpinned by our commitment to achieving common prosperity for our respective peoples and the Global South in general.

I thank you.