Parliament, Tuesday, 15 September 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation yesterday conducted a successful oversight visit to the South African Embassy in Beijing, China, where the committee was warmly received by His Excellency, Ambassador Siyabonga Cwele and his staff.
The committee were given a real South African welcome and noted with appreciation the professionalism and dedication displayed by all the embassy to facilitate a smooth process.
The main theme of the oversight developed from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent state visit to Beijing, where the strategic relationship between South Africa and China was elevated to a new level.
The oversight focused on the question of how the South African Embassy interprets the elevated relationship and what impact the relationship will have on the lives of South Africans at home. The committee heard that political relations between South Africa and China grew out of a relationship established in the 1950s when China supported the African National Congress in the struggle against apartheid.
The bilateral relations between the two countries are based on mutual trust, shared prosperity and the spirit of friendship and comradeship. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, emphasised that the committee supports South Africa’s position that subscribes to the “One China policy”, which recognises the People’s Republic of China’s territorial and sovereign primacy over Taiwan.
The South African Embassy in China is responsible for the strategic management of trade and investment portfolios. Since 2009, China has been South Africa’s largest trading partner, which has resulted in increased business interactions between the two countries.
Mr Mahumapelo described the oversight visit as meaningful and he also shed some light on the huge responsibility facing the South African mission in China to maintain political and economic diplomatic relations between the two countries. The visit is continuing with meetings with other stakeholders in Beijing and Shanghai.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Ms Malentsoe Magwagwa
Cell: 081716 5824
Email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
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