President Hu Jintao met in Beijing on Tuesday with South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who is here attending the third meeting of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission.

Hu said under the new circumstance, it was the natural choice for the two countries to push forward the strategic partnership, and this conformed to the interest of the two countries and peoples.

Hu proposed three-point proposal to further Sino-South African relations.

First, the two sides should maintain the frequent exchange of high-level visits and strengthen the dialogue and consultation on the major issues; Second, the two sides should realize the agreements and promote the human resource and agricultural cooperation; Third, the two sides should take advantage of the China-South Africa Bi-National Commission to explore new areas for cooperation.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said South Africa attaches importance to the relations with China, and hopes to expand the cooperation in trade and investment.

She reaffirmed the South African government's adherence to the one-China policy.

(Xinhua News Agency September 26, 2007)