国内英语新闻:China, South Africa upgrade relations to "comprehensive strategic partnership"

Further, China appreciates South Africa's important role in maintaining peace and stability on the continent and in promoting the development of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, said Hu, adding that China supports South Africa's playing a larger role in international affairs.

Zuma said the bilateral relations had great potential as China is a major trading partner and investor in South Africa. He hoped both sides take advantage of establishing the comprehensive strategic partnership to promote cooperation in various fields.

Zuma also extended his sympathy to the Chinese people in those regions hit by flood and mudslide disasters.

Zuma, who is on his first state visit to China since taking office, was accompanied by a 300-strong business delegation, which was the largest to accompany him during his foreign state tours.

The business delegation participated in numerous achievements during this visit, with over a dozen cooperative documents signed at a business forum on Tuesday morning.

These cooperative documents, including a loan agreement on 240 million euros, involved projects in areas such as solar power, iron ore, finance, and telecommunications.

Addressing the forum, Zuma said South Africa welcomed China's investors, as China was one of the most important strategic partners for South Africa.