China and South Africa agreed to work together to protect the
safety of Chinese citizens in South Africa.
Luo Tianguang, director of the department of Consular Affairs of
the Chinese Foreign Ministry, visited South Africa from Sept. 1 to
4 as a special representative of Chinese Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing.
During his visit, Luo exchanged views with the officials from
the foreign ministry, justice ministry of South Africa, and urged
the relevant departments to take effective measures to protect the
safety of the Chinese citizens.
South African officials said that the safety of Chinese citizens
in South Africa is very important, and will handle the relevant
case and arrest the criminals as soon as possible.
The two sides agreed to send officials to the other's country as
soon as possible to crack down on the crimes on Chinese citizens'
lives and property.
Luo also held discussions with the Chinese organizations in
South Africa and the overseas Chinese, and conveyed to them the
concerns of the Chinese government. The Chinese citizens in South
Africa said they were thankful that the government has sent a
representative to discuss their safety and legal rights.
Recently, Chinese citizens suffered several attacks in South
Africa. This infringes on the legal rights of the Chinese citizens
and companies, and intervenes the friendly relationship between the
two countries. The Chinese government has paid much attention to
this issue.
(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2004)