China and South Africa agreed to enhance bilateral ties and have identified various areas for further cooperation, ranging from the United Nations (UN) reforms, peacekeeping in Africa, to free trade talks and skill training.

These were inked in the "Program of Cooperation on Deepening the Strategic Partnership" between China and South Africa, which was signed by South African President Thabo Mbeki and visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Cape Town and was published Thursday.

"It was necessary to expand and deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries through enhanced political dialogue and cooperation in all fields to promote common development for the benefit of the two peoples," said the document.

The signing has been regarded a step of the two countries, both as key forces in the developing world, to further consolidate their relationship tied in 1998.

China and South Africa agreed to keep high-level contacts and exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest in an in-depth and wide-ranging way.

Both sides "share common views and positions in promoting multilateralism and democracy in international relations and upholding the common rights and interests of developing countries, " said the document.

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