On June 12, 2008, Hu Jintao, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chinese President, met with Jacob Zuma, leader of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC), at the Great Hall of the People.

Hailing China-South Africa relations, Hu said the two nations enjoy frequent high-level visits, effective operation of various cooperation mechanisms and fruitful cooperation in various fields since the birth of New South Africa, especially the establishment of China-South Africa diplomatic ties. The two nations also have supported each other and kept close coordination in international multilateral affairs and safeguarded the common interests of all developing countries, Hu said, applauding South Africa's attaching great importance to developing ties with China and its firm adherence to the one-China policy.

China values the relationship with South Africa and always takes the development of ties with South Africa as a priority of China's foreign policy. China will make concerted efforts with South Africa and take the opportunity of the 10th anniversary of the diplomatic ties to further expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation, increase exchanges between political parties and promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples so as to push forward China-South Africa strategic partnership, Hu noted.

Hu also expressed gratitude for the sympathy and assistance offered to the Chinese government and people through various means by the ANC and South Africa after the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province as well as their humanitarian aid to the quake-hit areas.

Zuma said the ANC and the Communist Party of China (CPC) enjoy a traditional friendship, expressing appreciation for the CPC's enormous support for ANC's struggle to eradicate apartheid in South Africa. The ANC faces many new challenges after being elected as ruling party, and it is ready to strengthen exchanges with the CPC in governing the party to consolidate the ANC's status as ruling party. Zuma also expressed condolences and sympathy to China over the Wenchuan quake.

Minister Wang Jiarui and Vice Minister Li Jinjun of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and other officials attended the meeting.