South African Diplomat Visits Beijing for Exchange on Women’s Affairs

On July 25, M. L. Ramokgopa, Consulate General of South Africa in Mumbai, India, visited the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (the BPAFFC) before her assumption of duty as the South African ambassador to the African Union.

Zhang Qian, Executive Vice President of the BPAFFC, gave M. L. Ramokgopa a detailed introduction to the history, purpose and major events of the BPAFFC. In a friendly atmosphere, Zhang Qian and the guests reviewed the reciprocal cooperation between China and South Africa under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the similarities between the two countries in society, culture and other fields. By referring to the Chinese saying “women hold up half the sky,” she expressed her hope to enhance the exchange on women’s affairs between Beijing and South Africa through their joint efforts with M. L. Ramokgopa.

M. L. Ramokgopa recalled her childhood when she got to know China through Mao Zedong’s works. She was invited to give a presentation about women’s career development and poverty alleviation in South Africa. She expressed her willingness to foster cooperation and exchange on women’s affairs between the BPAFFC and relevant institutions and organizations in Gauteng Province, which had established a friendly relationship with Beijing. She also suggested expanding their cooperation concerning women to the whole Africa in her capacity as the South African ambassador to the African Union.

Su Bensheng, Vice President of the BPAFFC, also attended the meeting.

Under the arrangement of the BPAFFC, M. L. Ramokgopa, accompanied by Zhao Hongwei, Vice President of the Beijing Women’s Federation, visited the Beijing Women and Children Social Service Center in the morning of July 25.

Zhang Qian, Executive Vice President of the BPAFFC, and Su Bensheng, Vice President of the BPAFFC, met with M. L. Ramokgopa.

Zhao Hongwei (1st right), Vice President of the Beijing Women’s Federation, met with M. L. Ramokgopa.