BEIJING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- China and the Republic of South Africa on Wednesday issued a joint communique of the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission of the two countries.

    Following is the full text:

　　Joint Communique

    The Third Session of the Bi-National Commission of the People'sRepublic of China and the Republic of South Africa

    Beijing, 26 September 2007

    1. At the invitation of Mr Zeng Qinghong, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, paid an official visit to China on 23-26 September 2007, and co-chaired with Vice President Zeng Qinghong the Third Session of the People's Republic of China-South Africa Bi-National Commission. During her visit, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka met with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

    2. During the meeting between President Hu Jintao and Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and the session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission, the two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the friendly cooperation between the two countries in various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties, particularly since the second session of the Bi-National Commission and the establishment of the China-South Africa Strategic Partnership in 2004. The two sides agreed to maintain close contacts between their governments, parliaments and political parties with a view to enhancing mutual political trust. They also agreed to step up efforts to follow up the achievements made during their leaders' visits and deepen practical cooperation so as to enrich the China-South Africa Strategic Partnership.

    3. The two sides emphasized the importance of advancing their strategic bilateral economic cooperation in a balanced manner that delivers sustainable mutual benefits. To this end, the two sides, taking advantage of South Africa's rich resources base and China's dynamic growth, will work for a Partnership for Growth and Development with the aim of establishing a structured and predictable framework for evolving complementarities into higher value added trade and investment sectors. In this regard, the two sides agreed to develop a concrete work programme that will use, amongst other things, the China-Africa Development Fund to encourage companies from both countries to promote trade and investment in such areas as minerals, energy, infrastructure development, machinery, clothing, home appliances, agro-processing, tourism and finance.

    4. The two sides agreed on the need to work together toward shared growth and development. The Chinese side will continue to support the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA) and the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA). In particular, the two sides will share best practices and cooperate in poverty alleviation, application of appropriate technology, rural development and job creation. The two sides will explore ways to enhance capacity building in mining, construction and other industries.

    5. To mark the 10th anniversary of China-South Africa diplomatic relations, the two sides agreed to sponsor or co-sponsor a series of events from the fourth quarter of 2007 to the end of 2008. These events will include cultural performances, film weeks, art exhibitions, commodity fairs, cultural relics exhibition, sports events, and exchange of visits between press, academic groups and youth and women. The two sides expressed their willingness to keep in close consultation, support and cooperate with each other to ensure the success of the above-mentioned events so as to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

    6. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), particularly the eight policy measures announced by the Chinese side to boost practical cooperation with Africa. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation and making concerted efforts to facilitate implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit on the principles of mutual benefit, friendly consultations, high efficiency and pragmatism.

    7. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international situation, Africa's development, the G8 outreach session and issues of mutual interest. They agreed on the need to strengthen the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of world peace and stability and expressed support for the efforts of the African Union and other regional organizations for regional peace and stability. The two sides agreed to strengthen strategic dialogue and consultation, work together to promote democracy in international relations and uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

    8. The South African side reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China policy, its recognition of the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan as an inalienable part of Chinese territory and its opposition to all forms of "Taiwan Independence", including "de jure independence". The Chinese side noted with appreciation the position taken by South Africa and other countries, against Taiwan's bid for UN membership during the62nd session of the UN General Assembly.

    9. During the Third Session of the Bi-National Commission, the two sides held sectoral committee meetings on foreign affairs, economy and trade and education and had in-depth discussions on exchanges and cooperation in these fields. The two sides resolved to strengthen the mechanisms of the sectoral committees and enhance interdepartmental coordination under the framework of the Bi-National Commission. The two sides also conducted successful counterpart consultations in various fields.

    10. South Africa Environmental Affairs and Tourism officials and their counterparts from China National Tourism Administration fully reviewed the implementation of the MOU on Approved Destination Status (ADS). The South African side agreed with China State Ocean Administration on the need for integrated coastal management and marine environment protection.

    11. In the science and technology fields, the two sides agreed to maintain the present modalities and programmes of science and technology cooperation and, meanwhile, expand the areas of cooperation from transportation, agriculture, IT, advanced materials, renewable energy to palaeontology, archaeology and those areas identified by the Joint Science and Technology Committee. They will continue to accord attention and support to such flagship projects as the telemedicine project. The South African side invited their Chinese counterparts to participate in the 2008 International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INSITE).

    12. In the field of health, the two sides, prioritized cooperation in the area of Traditional medicine and drafted a Declaration of Intent in this regard to regulate and enhance future cooperation.

    13. The bilateral meeting on Consular and Migration agreed to include consular and migration issues in the BNC agenda. The two sides also discussed matters concerning a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

    14. The Chinese and South African governments entered into a renewed education collaboration agreement under which the Chinese government will increase the number of South African scholarships from 5 every two years, to 3 every year. In addition, the Chinese government will provide a certain number of unilateral scholarships to South Africa.

    15. The two sides reviewed progress made in the implementation of the cooperation agreements in agriculture development and trade and noted in particular the progress in aquaculture capacity building of South Africa and an increase in bilateral agro-product trade.

    16. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of the Republic of South Africa held separate counterpart meetings with the Ministry of Water Resources and the State Forestry Administration of China. It reached agreement with the Ministry of Water Resources of China on the establishment the South Africa-China Water Resources Sectoral Commission by June of 2008 and to strengthen the exchange and cooperation in rural water supply and capacity building, in the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Fields of Water Resources between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People's Republic of China signed in 2005. It also reached agreement with China State Forestry Administration on Cooperation in forest fire prevention, a forestation and forestry inventory, urban greening, capacity building, which will begin in 2008.

    17. The Ministry of Public Service and Administration had numerous rounds of bilateral consultations with China's Ministry of Personnel, which culminated in the signing of a cooperation agreement.

    18. The two sides were satisfied with the work of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission and agreed to strengthen its role in guiding, coordinating and facilitating bilateral cooperation. The two sides decided to hold the 4th Session of the Bi-National Commission in South Africa on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels.

    19. At the conclusion of the Third Session of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission the two sides signed an Agreement on Cooperation in Education, a MOU on Cooperation in Human Resources Development and Public Administration and an Agreement on Cooperation in Minerals and Energy.

    20. South Africa expressed its appreciation to the Chinese side for the thoughtful arrangements for the Third Session made by the People's Republic of China for the Bi-National Commission held in Beijing.