S. Africa cherishes friendship with China

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi arrived in South Africa Monday and has met with the country's leaders.

The two day official visit is Yang''s first to Africa since being appointed to the post.

The two day official visit is Yang's first to Africa since being appointed to the post. South African President Thabo Mbeki met with Yang in his presidential residence highlighting the bilateral relations between South Africa and China.

Mbeki told Yang that South Africa cherishes the traditional friendship with China and will continue to pursue the one-China policy.

Yang also held talks with his South African counterpart Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. The two sides agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism to enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation.