On November 21, Pan Qingjiang, Consul General of China in Johannesburg, attended the 2023 Africa-China Journalists Forum and Photo Exhibition held by the University of the Witwatersrand and delivered a keynote speech. About 100 experts, scholars and journalists from China, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Zimbabwe and other countries were present at the event online or in person.

In his speech, Consul General Mr. Pan briefed the fruitful outcomes China and South Africa have achieved in the fields of political mutual trust, economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges and multilateral coordination since the establishment of diplomatic ties 25 years ago. He expressed that China is willing to work with South Africa to actively implement the consensus reached by the two Heads of States, continuously enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and South Africa, and promote the building of a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

Consul General Mr. Pan introduced the Consulate General’s efforts in promoting the development of China-South Africa relations, especially the work on practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and the two provinces in the consular district. He expressed appreciation on the efforts of Chinese and African journalists in reporting real stories of China-South Africa and China-Africa friendship, and said that the Consulate General will take active measures to help African journalists expand access to more information and further well tell the stories of China-South Africa and China-Africa relations.

The participants expressed that China-Africa friendship is ever-lasting and ever-growing, with sincere, friendly and  mutually beneficial cooperation. They hoped that cooperations in infrastructure construction, investment and trade, education and training will be strengthened at a higher level. They discussed topics such as China’s engagement with South Africa and Africa, reporting themes and trends on China-South Africa and China-Africa relations, and support for African journalists to improve their reporting capabilities.