BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
25 April 2008
Beijing — Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday launched a stamp and envelope commemorating the first decade of diplomatic relations between South Africa and China.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs this forms part of a series of events designed to celebrate this landmark in relations between the two countries.
Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Trade and Industry Minister, Mandisi Mpahlwa, as well as Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad supported by other senior officials from South Africa are in Beijing, within the context of the 10th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On Friday, Ms Dlamini Zuma is expected to depart for Shanghai where she will later in the day, together with Minister Mpahlwa and Deputy Minister Pahad participate in the official inauguration of the new South African Consulate-General in Shanghai led by Consul-General Vika Khumalo.
Minister Dlamini Zuma has this week held bilateral political and economic discussions with her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi to strengthen relations and address the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Mpahlwa also addressed the South African Ambassadors and High Commissioners on the national, regional and international development and its impact on South Africa's foreign policy.
The 10th year anniversary celebrations of establishing diplomatic relations will culminate in a state visit to China later this year by President Thabo Mbeki where South Africa will be participating in Shangai Expo.
On Tuesday, Minister Dlamini Zuma met with South Africa's Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in Asia and the Middle East for a two-day workshop.
Accompanying the minister was Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad who helped co-ordinate the annual two-day workshop, which started on Monday, in Beijing, China.
Dr Dlamini Zuma and Mr Pahad discussed regional, continental and international political and socio-economic developments with South Africa's envoys to investigate the impact of South Africa's foreign policy priorities within the region.
The South African Heads of Mission conference was later addressed by Minister Mpahlwa, who spoke on South Africa's economic diplomacy priorities and objectives.
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