On December 7, 2023, Vice Foreign Minister and Coordinator of China's BRICS Affairs Ma Zhaoxu met with visiting South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal.

Ma Zhaoxu appreciated South Africa's positive contribution to BRICS cooperation as this year's Chair, saying that China is willing to work with South Africa and other BRICS partners to jointly advance BRICS cooperation.

Anil Sooklal said South Africa is willing to work with China and other BRICS countries to take BRICS membership expansion as an opportunity and forge stronger BRICS strategic partnership.