Ding Wei and Mabudafhasi co-signed the memorandum of understanding. [Photo provided by Bureau for External Cultural Relations, Ministry of Culture]

On Aug 15, deputy minister of the Cultural Ministry Ding Wei met with the deputy minister of South African Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mabudafhasi, during his state visit to South Africa.

Ding said that the relations between China and South Africa were developing with a sound momentum. With the increasing mutual political trust and deepening pragmatic cooperation, the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countriesis is facing great challenges. China attaches great importance to cultural exchange and cooperation, which is an important part of bilateral relations. And China is willing to take the opportunity of the reciprocal cultural year program to further promote the cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries to improve the bilateral relations.

Mabudafhasi warmly welcomed Ding’s visit, agreed to China’s positive evaluation on bilateral relations and appreciated China’s support in hosting the South African year in China this year. He stressed that South Africa is ready to host the Chinese year and keep in touch with China to make a splash in South Africa with Chinese culture, and further promote the cultural exchange and cooperation between China and South Africa.

After the meeting, Ding Wei and Mabudafhasi co-signed the Memorandum of Understanding of the Reciprocal Cultural Year Program in 2014 and 2015.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Tian Xuejun, Deputy Director of the Foreign Liaison Bureau Zhao Haisheng and Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa Zheng Wen were present.

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