Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Wednesday that China is willing to work with South Africa to enhance the prosperity and stability of Africa.

 

Wen made the remarks in a meeting with visiting South African National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete.

 

Wen stressed that China-South Africa cooperation was an important component of China-Africa cooperation and South-South cooperation, calling for the two countries to promote bilateral cooperation.

 

China supported Africa's initiative on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Wen said.

 

Wen expressed his appreciation for South Africa's adherence to the one-China policy and praised the smooth and fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

 

Wen said the pact on deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries, which he signed with South African President Thabo Mbeki in June, set a blueprint for bilateral cooperation, adding that he hoped the China-South Africa Binational Commission (BNC) could strengthen coordination and finalize concrete cooperation.

 

Mbete said the National Assembly of South Africa would intensify and deepen communication and cooperation between the two nations and the two legislatures, in particular communication and cooperation between the young people of the two countries.

 

Mbete is visiting China from September 22 to 30.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2006)