BEIJING, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese official Zhou Yongkang Thursday pledged to advance the strategic partnership with South Africa.

    Zhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, made the remarks when meeting with Gwede Mantashe, General Secretary of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), the ruling party in the country.

Zhou Yongkang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, shake hands with Gwede Mantashe, General Secretary of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), the ruling party in the country,in Beijing, China, Oct. 29, 2009 .(Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Photo Gallery>>>

    Hailing the remarkable progress made by China-South Africa cooperation in various sectors, Zhou said the two nations enjoyed increasing political mutual trust.

    To deal with issues of education, medical treatment, rural development, anti-corruption, fighting against crime and obtaining employment was an important task for both China and South Africa, the two developing nations, Zhou said.

    "We value the ties with South Africa, and will increase cooperation between us to benefit the two peoples," he noted.

    Zhou applauded African nations' firm support to China on many important issues, saying that China and Africa were good brothers, friends and partners.

    China would continue offering help within capacity to Africa, and make contribution to Africa's development, he said.

    "We will expand cooperation with Africa to achieve win-win development," he noted.

    Mantashe said the ANC hoped to learn from the CPC's experience and efforts in promoting social and economic progress.

    He also hoped China would provide more support to the development of South Africa and other African countries.

    Mantashe and his delegation were here on a visit to China from Oct. 28 to 31.