Sino-South African relations have been elevated to a new level after the China-South Africa Friendship Association (CSAFA) was founded in Beijing yesterday.
Attached to the Chinese-African People's Friendship Association, CSAFA aims to increase mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and South African people.
The new body is part of activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
"I hope the CSAFA can bridge people of both countries," Abdul'ahat Abdurixit, the organization's first president, said at its founding ceremony.
"The CSAFA will play an important role to enhance trust between China and South Africa," he added, before promising a series of "colorful events".
Sino-South African made great leaps since Jan 1, 1998, when formal diplomatic ties were established. Trade between the largest economy in Africa and China reached nearly $14 billion last year.
However, Liu Guijin, former Chinese ambassador to South Africa, said Beijing needs to do more in people-to-people diplomacy.
As CSAFA's vice-president, Liu said the new organization would be an important channel to fulfill this task.
"Unlike Western countries where NGOs are highly developed, China has long been reliant on government diplomacy in the international community," Liu told China Daily.
"We need to have well-developed civil organizations when the country is developing rapidly. I hope the CSAFA can contribute to China's people-to-people diplomacy."
Source: China Daily
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