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The National Library of South Africa (NLSA) and the National Library of China (NLC) have on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the two institutions cooperating in various areas and exchanging ideas on cultural issues.

The memorandum of understanding will remain valid for a period of three years, renewable for another three-year term unless one of the parties decides not to renew the agreement.

Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the NLSA Professor Rocky Ralebipi-Simela said China was a strategic partner and she embraced the strategic partnership.

“It is truly befitting to engage in partnership, cooperation and collaboration with the National Library of China in our quest to promote access to the world’s information and knowledge resources.

“The cordial relations between the National Library of South Africa and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China have since been mutually beneficial and advancing continuously,” she said.

The NLSA and NLC engaged in successful collaborations under their memorandum of understanding signed in 2007 and 2010 and continued to enjoy close and cordial relations.

“Today, we sign the MoU to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two institutions, in order to continue exchange of experiences and expertise in our respective institutions,” Ralebipi-Simela said.

Speaking on behalf of the National Library of China, Yin Yali, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, said South Africa and China have a long history of cooperation.

“The two have a duty to continue to promote and exchange their cultural activities,” he said, adding that the two will play positive roles in their respective countries,” said Yali.

According to Yali, the National Library of China has about 32 000 books.

The NLSA situated in Pretoria holds a collection of South African published books, rare manuscripts, maps, newspapers, technical reports as well as official foreign and government publications.

The NLSA strives to grow and maintain literary culture in South Africa and has many databases and a huge archive promoting writing, publishing and reading as well as distribution of books in all the official South African languages. - SAnews.gov.za