CICG executive meets with South African special envoy

Gao Anming, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), held a meeting with Anil Sooklal, ambassador-at-large for Asia and BRICS and South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, in Beijing on Monday. Representatives from the Department of International Cooperation of CICG and the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies were also present.

Gao Anming (R), vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), holds a meeting with Anil Sooklal, ambassador-at-large for Asia and BRICS and South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, in Beijing on May 8, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Gao extended a warm welcome to Sooklal and his wife and expressed his appreciation for the special envoy's long-term efforts in coordinating BRICS countries and his strong support for CICG. Gao said that, in the context of today's complex and challenging global situation, BRICS represents a significant cooperation mechanism for emerging markets and developing countries, and has become an important force that cannot be ignored on the international stage. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, and it coincides with South Africa taking over China as the chair of BRICS, thus providing new opportunities for China-South Africa relations, Gao said. He added that he expects CICG and relevant institutions in South Africa to further strengthen exchange and cooperation, jointly hold multilateral and bilateral international exchange activities, and contribute to the implementation of the Global Civilization Initiative.

Gao Anming (C), vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), and Anil Sooklal (2nd L), ambassador-at-large for Asia and BRICS and South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, pose for a photo in Beijing on May 8, 2023. [Photo/CICG]

Sooklal emphasized the importance of exchange and mutual learning in advancing human civilization, and noted that there is a good foundation and platform for cooperation between South Africa and China. He also expressed his hope for conducting more activities with CICG to deepen exchange and cooperation between the two countries.