BUENOS AIRES — The strategic implications of China-South Africa relations have gone beyond the bilateral scope and have global influence, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Buenos Aires on May 21.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Lindiwe Sisulu on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina.

As important developing countries and emerging markets, China and South Africa have played an important role in international and regional affairs and have maintained close cooperation, Wang said.

China is willing to communicate and cooperate closely with South Africa to effectively safeguard the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries and improve the global governance system, Wang said.

He said that China has always viewed China-South Africa relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is committed to further developing the “comrades and brothers” type of friendly relationship with South Africa.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Africa. It is an important year for the relations of the two countries and both sides will have a series of important events on the agenda, Wang said.

China will fully support the successful holding of the BRICS leaders meeting in South Africa and ensure that the Chinese leaders’ attendance at the meeting and the visit to South Africa are a complete success, making it another important milestone in bilateral relations and effectively guiding the development path of the two countries’ ties, Wang said.

Sisulu said that South Africa and China enjoy a traditional friendship. South Africa cherishes the friendship and attaches great importance to developing relations with China.

She thanked the Chinese government for its support of South Africa’s new government and expressed hope to work together with China to organize a series of activities to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Sisulu appreciates China’s strong support in the hosting of the BRICS leaders meeting in South Africa, saying they are eagerly looking forward to the Chinese leaders’ attendance at the meeting and their visit to the country.

Sisulu said that her country will work closely with China to make the meeting as well as the visit a success with positive achievements.