China and South Africa agreed to work together to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in South Africa.

Luo Tianguang, director of the department of Consular Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, visited South Africa from Sept. 1 to 4 as a special representative of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.

During his visit, Luo exchanged views with the officials from the foreign ministry, justice ministry of South Africa, and urged the relevant departments to take effective measures to protect the safety of the Chinese citizens.

South African officials said that the safety of Chinese citizens in South Africa is very important, and will handle the relevant case and arrest the criminals as soon as possible.

The two sides agreed to send officials to the other's country as soon as possible to crack down on the crimes on Chinese citizens' lives and property.

Luo also held discussions with the Chinese organizations in South Africa and the overseas Chinese, and conveyed to them the concerns of the Chinese government. The Chinese citizens in South Africa said they were thankful that the government has sent a representative to discuss their safety and legal rights.

Recently, Chinese citizens suffered several attacks in South Africa. This infringes on the legal rights of the Chinese citizens and companies, and intervenes the friendly relationship between the two countries. The Chinese government has paid much attention to this issue.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2004)