CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Wu Bangguo, China's top legislator, on Wednesday put forward a three-point proposal to lift the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership to higher levels.

Wu, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China's top legislature, made the proposal in a speech at the National Assembly of South Africa.

First, China and Africa should continue to treat each other as equals.

Over the past half a century, the two sides have always treated each other as equals and shown full respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and choice of social system and development path according to domestic circumstances.

China stands ready to work with African countries to continue to view and develop China-Africa relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, conduct closer dialogue and consultation within the the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, and consolidate the political foundation of China-Africa relationship on a sustained basis.

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Second, they should adhere to mutually beneficial cooperation.

Chinese and African economies are highly complementary. Africa is rich in natural and human resources and China has applicable technologies and mature experience.

There are many areas where they can work together, and there is plenty of room and enormous potential for their cooperation to grow.

China will step up technology transfers to Africa, gradually increase assistance to Africa, optimize the assistance structure and tilt assistance in favor of projects that promote people' s well-being, people-to-people exchanges, energy conservation and environmental protection.

Third, they should continue to support each other.

In face of the ups and downs in the world over the past half a century, China and Africa have stood by each other through thick and thin with mutual understanding and firm mutual support.

As the world moves towards multi-polarity and the international system undergoes profound shifts, the two sides need to vigorously promote South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue, step up collaboration at the United Nations, the WTO and other multilateral forums, actively participate in the reform of the global governance structure and international financial system, and work together to make the international political and economic order more just and reasonable.

The top Chinese legislator said that as long as the two sides adhere to and further promote the fine traditions of friendship, and good experience and practices of cooperation, keep abreast with the times and make innovative efforts, they will be able to raise the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership to higher levels.

During his speech, Wu also lauded the China-South Africa friendly relationship.

He said that bilateral relations have moved full steam ahead and become one of the fastest-growing and most important bilateral relationships for both sides since the two nations officially launched diplomatic relations in 1998.

Over the past 13 years, strategic mutual trust has deepened, economic cooperation and trade have grown rapidly, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges have become closer, Wu noted.

China will continue to work with South Africa to strengthen the foundation of our strategic cooperation in line with the principles of mutual respect, equality and common development, enrich its content and create a better future for the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership, he said.

Wu arrived in Cape Town Tuesday, kicking off an official good-will visit to South Africa at the invitation of Speaker of South African National Assembly Max Sisulu.

South Africa is the third leg of Wu's Africa-Asia tour, which has already taken him to Namibia and Angola. He will also visit Maldives.