PRETORIA, South Africa, February 6 -- China and South Africa agreed on Tuesday to push forward the development of bilateral relations in accordance with the four principles set out by the top leaders of the two countries.

The warm relations between the two countries should be developed and expanded along the lines of the four principles agreed upon during South African President Thabo Mbeki's state visit to China last November and Chinese President Hu Jintao's current state visit here, said a joint communique issued on Tuesday.

The four principles are: political mutual trust and strategic consultation between the two countries should be broadened; economic cooperation and trade should be enhanced; coordination and cooperation should be enhanced through diplomatic consultations; and cultural and people-to-people interaction should be strengthened.

The two sides hailed the current state of bilateral relations and reviewed with satisfaction the strong growth in political, economic, scientific, technological and cultural relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the communique said.

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy, recognizing the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, it said.

President Hu arrived in Pretoria on Tuesday for a state visit, which is aimed at enhancing the long-term and stable strategic partnership between China and South Africa.

Hu is currently on an eight-nation African tour, which has already taken him to Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia. The Chinese president will also visit Mozambique and Seychelles.