The Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries will seek closer cooperation with China in trade, investment, social and technical fields, said Lesotho's Ambassador to China Lefa Joshep Mokotjo Friday.

Mokotjo, also dean of SADC ambassadors' group in Beijing, made the remarks when addressing a reception commemorating the 25th anniversary of the SADC's founding at the Tanzanian Embassy in Beijing.

He said China has been an all-weather friend of the SADC since the latter's establishment in 1980. The SADC also seeks partnership with business communities in China, he added.

"China's rise is not a threat to us, but the opposite," said Mokotjo. He suggested the two sides set up a formal mechanism of exchange of views so as to further concrete cooperation.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng said the SADC has been playing an important role in promoting regional economic and social development, enhancing solidarity among member states and boosting regional integration.

The Chinese government is ready to work closely with the SADC and its member states to promote their cooperation to a new level, he said.

The SADC, consisting of 14 member states and more than 200 million people, is the most promising regional organization in Africa. It aims to achieve deeper regional economic cooperation and integration on the basis of balance, equality and mutual benefit.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2005)