BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said on Monday China hoped the strategic dialogue between China and South Africa would be effective in promoting bilateral relations.

    Yang hailed the establishment of the vice-ministerial mechanism, scheduled to convene for the first time on Wednesday, and said he hoped it would become a platform for the development of China-South Africa ties.

    He made the remarks in talks with his South African counterpart Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The two countries agreed on setting up the mechanism in January.

    Yang told Zuma that China was ready to make joint efforts with South Africa to continuously strengthen mutual political trust, develop the potential for cooperation and enrich the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    Zuma said South Africa was satisfied with the rapid growth and achievements of its ties with China, and was ready to further consolidate the existing good relations and raise the level of bilateral cooperation.

    He said South Africa attached great importance to the strategic dialogue with China and hoped to use the mechanism to deepen mutual understanding and promote strategic cooperation.

    The two also agreed to carry out the activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries this year.

    Zuma arrived here Saturday evening to start his eight-day official visit to China.

    Source: Xinhua