On the evening of August 21, 2023 local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Johannesburg to attend the 15th BRICS Summit and pay a state visit to South Africa.
Around 11 p.m., Xi Jinping's special plane landed at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma, and other senior government officials, warmly welcomed Xi Jinping at the gangway. A South African woman presented flowers to Xi Jinping, and guards of honor saluted with guns. People dressed in national costumes performed ebullient dances.
Ramaphosa warmly welcomed President Xi Jinping to South Africa for a state visit. Xi Jinping said he is delighted to visit South Africa again and looks forward to having an in-depth exchange of views with President Ramaphosa on deepening China-South Africa relations and issues of mutual interest.
Xi Jinping issued a written statement at the airport, in which he extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the South African government and people on behalf of the Chinese government and people. Xi Jinping stressed that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa, and the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a new phase. The consolidation and development of China-South Africa relations not only benefit the two peoples, but also inject more stability into a world rocked by changes and turmoil. He expressed the confidence that with the joint efforts of both sides, his visit will be a complete success.
Xi Jinping pointed out that as an important cooperation platform for emerging markets and major developing countries, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become a constructive force for boosting world economic growth, improving global governance, and promoting greater democracy in international relations. He expressed the confidence that this BRICS summit will become an important milestone in the development of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and elevate the solidarity and cooperation among developing countries to a higher level. Xi said he will also attend the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue, during which he and leaders of African countries will jointly discuss major cooperation plans, explore development paths, and promote world peace.
It was midnight when Xi Jinping’s motorcade drove from the airport to the hotel. Overseas Chinese who had been waiting spontaneously along the streets warmly welcomed President Xi, waving the national flags of China and South Africa, and holding banners that read "Long live China-South Africa friendship".
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and other members of the entourage arrived on the same plane.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong also greeted President Xi at the airport.