JOHANNESBURG - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts from South Africa, Algeria, and Angola on Friday, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

During his meeting with South African counterpart Ronald Lamola, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated South Africa on successfully hosting the meeting. By assuming the G20 presidency, South Africa represents Africa in making a strong voice on the global stage, which demonstrates the historic shifts in international political and economic landscapes and holds great significance, Wang noted.

As multilateralism faces growing threats amid the rise of unilateral bullying and protectionism, the foreign ministers' meeting under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability" has reflected the common aspirations of most countries, especially those from the Global South, Wang said, also conveying China's firm support for South Africa in fulfilling the G20 presidency.

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Noting that South Africa is a major African country with substantial influence and immense development potential, Wang said that China is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with South Africa, accelerate respective development and revitalization, and join hands to raise the voice and representation of countries from the Global South, especially African countries, in international agenda.

Lamola, for his part, thanked China for supporting South Africa's G20 presidency. In the face of a volatile international situation, South Africa remains committed to strengthening close coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South countries, Lamola said.

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Lamola expressed delight over the fruitful outcomes of mutually beneficial cooperation between South Africa and China, looking forward to deepening practical cooperation in various areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, and emerging industries.

He welcomed China to increase investment in South Africa to facilitate its efforts in accelerating industrialization and achieving diversified development.

Deepening bilateral cooperation

The Chinese foreign minister also met with his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, with both sides pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Wang noted that Algeria is a major African country with significant influence and made special contributions to China's restoration of its lawful seat in the United Nations. The two countries, with profound traditional friendship and fruitful practical cooperation, have established an all-round cooperation pattern.

The foreign minister said that China attaches great importance to its relations with Algeria and supports Algeria in accelerating its development and revitalization to play a more important role in international and regional affairs.

He added that China is ready to work with Algeria to consolidate political mutual trust, continue to support each other in safeguarding their respective core interests, deepen cooperation in various fields, jointly uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world.

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For his part, Attaf noted that Algeria and China share similar historical experiences and common values and the friendship between the two countries has left many precious historical memories.

Algeria, which firmly supported China in restoring its lawful seat in the United Nations, opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and appreciates China's steadfast support for Algeria in times of need, he said.

Attaf recalled Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's successful visit to China in 2023, during which Tebboune reached an important consensus with Chinese President Xi Jinping, injecting new impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

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He further highlighted that the two countries' practical cooperation has achieved numerous highlights and entered a fast-track phase. The Algeria-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting was successfully held and China has become Algeria's largest trading partner.

Noting that Algeria welcomes increased investment from China, Attaf said Algeria is willing to work with China to implement eight major initiatives for practical cooperation between the two countries and deepen cooperation across various fields, particularly in emerging industries, to deliver tangible benefits to both peoples.

Enhancing mutual trust

When meeting with his Angolan counterpart Tete Antonio, Wang said that China and Angola fought side by side in the struggle against imperialism and colonialism and then joined hands in the pursuit of development and revitalization.

Noting that the friendly cooperation between the two countries facilitated Angola's national reconstruction and economic recovery, bringing tangible benefits to the Angolan people, Wang said the two sides should cherish the time-honored friendship and enhance mutual understanding and trust.

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Wang congratulated Angola on assuming the rotating presidency of the African Union, saying that China has never sought selfish gains in Africa or interfered in African country's internal affairs and China has firmly supported African integration and is committed to maintaining sound relations with African countries, Wang said.

Comprehensive cooperation between China and Africa has not only helped accelerate Africa's development but also encouraged more attention and input from the international community to the continent. China will remain Africa's most sincere and reliable partner in its future development journey, Wang noted.

For his part, Antonio noted that Angolan President Joao Lourenco paid a state visit to China last year and held a successful meeting with Chinese President Xi, promoting new achievements in bilateral practical cooperation and bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. He thanked China for supporting Angola's economic and social development and Chinese enterprises for their contributions to Angola's national construction.

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Antonio said that Angola is willing to expand cooperation with China in various fields such as economy and trade, investment, finance, and energy, and stand firmly with China on issues concerning the latter's core interests.

Angola stands ready to take the presidency of the African Union as an opportunity to strengthen communication and coordination with China, deepen Africa-China cooperation, and enhance African solidarity, said Antonio.