On May 8, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister and Coordinator of China's BRICS Affairs Ma Zhaoxu met with South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal who is on a visit to China.

Ma Zhaoxu said that South Africa, as the chair of the BRICS this year, has promoted BRICS cooperation to maintain strong momentum of development, and yielded positive results in various fields of work. China is ready to make joint efforts with South Africa and other BRICS partners to advance the high-quality development of the BRICS countries.

Anil Sooklal said that a series of fruitful achievements have been made during the BRICS China Year, taking BRICS cooperation to a new level. As the chair, South Africa will be committed to BRICS solidarity and cooperation, and contribute to strengthening BRICS cooperation.