DHAKA: Chinese president Xi Jinping on Thursday hailed visiting South African president Jacob Zuma as China’s ‘good friend’, months after the latter’s government refused the Dalai Lama a visa.

‘President Zuma is the Chinese people’s old friend and good friend,’ Xi said as he welcomed Zuma on a state visit as trade and political ties between Pretoria and Beijing grow closer.

‘South Africa is the comprehensive and strategic partner of China in Africa,’ said Xi, who visited South Africa in March 2013 as part of his first foreign trip as head of state.

‘The two countries are equal, share mutual trust and cooperate on (a) wide range of sectors,’ he added, reports The Straits Times.

‘We are good friends and good brothers that mutually benefit each other.’

BDST: 2050 HRS, DEC 04, 2014