JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in South Africa on Monday host a reception and an online open day to mark the upcoming 71st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong said the occasion came at a crucial where China had worked with the international community in an effort to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

He said bilateral ties between South Africa and China deepened in the fight against COVID-19.

"During the pandemic, China and South Africa joined hands in fighting the disease," he said, " We showed solidarity and firm resolve to overcome the difficulties, injecting positive energy into China-Africa and global anti-pandemic cooperation."

With COVID-19 cases steadily dwindling in South Africa, Chen applauded South African government's work in this achievement.

"China is also ready to work with Africa to chart the course for post-pandemic cooperation, and follow through on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19," he said.

Chen said China will continue promoting peace, unity and encourage global development, adding that the promotion of cooperation and solidarity was crucial at this stage.

South African Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan conveyed a congratulatory message to China on its 71st founding anniversary which falls on Oct. 1.

He said relations between China and South Africa are anchored in a shared history of friendship and solidarity over many decades, adding that a new 10 year strategic program between the two countries will allow for active engagement in key areas such as science and technology.

During the reception, Chinese diplomats in South Africa performed Jerusalema Dance, a hit in the country in the recent two years as people saw its message as a way to cope with the tragedies of the coronavirus pandemic. People from all walks of life sent their blessings to China.

South African netizen Kwanele Ngwenya left a message on the website of the celebration.

"Nihao. I had the privilege to visit the PRC and witness the 70th anniversary celebration at Tiananmen Square. I am an alumni of the most prestigious first ranked Peking University in Asia. Chinese people are the warmest and it has a diverse culture history. I got to eat the Peking Duck and see Pandas in Research Centre for Giant Pandas in Chengdu," he said.

Netizen "Engelbert junior binede" left a message in Chinese, saying that "I am so grateful for the trade and cooperation between China and South Africa. I have been to China three times. Today, I miss China, its culture and my Chinese friends. Happy birthday China!" Enditem

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