Such celebrations in each other’s country in 2014 and 2015, respectively, will boost China-South Africa ties, Xi said in his message to Pretoria.

The two Presidents will meet in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza in July this year during the 6th BRICS Summit.

South Africa’s bilateral trade with China saw a 32-per cent increase in 2013 over the previous year, says official data.

Two-way trade between the two countries increased from 205 billion rand (about $19.2 billion) in 2012 to 270 billion rand (about $25 billion) at the end of 2013, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies told South African lawmakers last month.

Available: http://thebricspost.com/xi-zuma-eye-intensive-cooperation-in-2014-15/#.U2C_laK59ts