Beijing, November 13th—Song Tao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with the study group of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa led by Ronald Lamola, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee and Member of the ANC National Working Committee.

Song expressed that the CPC enjoys profound traditional friendship with the ANC of South Africa. Under the personal guidance and strategic planning of top leaders of the two sides, the relationship between the two Parties is at its best in history. The CPC is willing to jointly well implement the important consensus reached by leaders of both sides with the ANC of South Africa, enhance mutual learning from experience in party governance and state administration, and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to promote the sustained, rapid and forward-looking development of China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.

Song expressed that the Chinese side supports the ANC of South Africa in hosting the second round of BRICS Plus political parties dialogue, and is willing to, together with South Africa, enhance close communication and coordination to contribute strength of political parties to the cooperation between the BRICS and developing countries. Lamola introduced preparation of the second round of BRICS Plus political parties dialogue, and thanked China for its support.

Lamola noted that South Africa and China have maintained sound cooperative relations in various fields. The ANC pays high attention to studying and learning from the successful experience of the CPC, and is ready to comprehensively enhance communication and cooperation between the two Parties, so as to continuously inject new impetus into the development of South Africa-China relations.

Guo Yezhou, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.

Enditem