Hon Speaker, I would like to echo and support what President Jacob Zuma said on South Africa's international relations. Our experience is that South Africa and its people stand to gain from the strengthening and deepening of our bilateral and multilateral relations with countries of the world, especially those countries in Africa and in our region. During our visits to some of these countries, we have found that there is goodwill and understanding of the challenges that we face as a country that seeks to address its historically accumulated disabilities.
The growth and infrastructural development strategy that government has adopted, the investments that we want to bring here in this country and the people-to-people relations we wish to have, can only be realised if we make use of all the opportunities that arise out of the binational commissions that South Africa has established with some of these countries. In this regard, it is important that government and its departments work in unison in the execution and implementation of the bilateral and multilateral agreements that South Africa signed with these countries. Furthermore, we take it upon ourselves to seek ways of strengthening those structures that are responsible for the implementation of these agreements so that execution takes place within the agreed timeframes. In the past year, we have continued our efforts to promote and strengthen political and economic relations with sister countries on the continent. For example, we have successfully engaged our counterparts in So Tom-Prncipe, Ghana and Nigeria.
We are worried that just as we were consolidating our bilateral relations with Guinea-Bissau, a situation emerged that reversed the gains of peace and stability in that country. We stand ready to assist in the resolution of political conflicts in keeping with our goal of building a better Africa. We have also reinforced our political and economic relations with Vietnam, Turkey, Finland, Germany, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark. The next task is to boost trade between us and these countries and to increase people-to-people contact, which is vital for cultural exchange and tourism.
Relations with China have also taken a new turn, thanks to the strategic partnership agreement brokered between President Jacob Zuma and President Hu Jintao. Consequently, South African Airways now flies directly to Beijing, thus easing business, tourism and cultural exchanges. Our manufacturing sector will also soon be enjoying the fruits of this agreement, as China considers 10 specific South African products that will enjoy unhampered access to its markets. Going forward, we are working tirelessly to strengthen South-South relations while maintaining our North- South relations.
Finally, hon members, let me stress that government is on course to fulfil its mandate. We are determined to accelerate service delivery, economic growth, job creation, social security and guarantee the safety of our people. We will continue to be guided by the imperative of knowing where people are, understanding their conditions, empathising with them and responding timeously to improve their socioeconomic conditions.
Let me thank you, Mr Speaker, and hon members for the continued support and co-operation we have received in the course of pursuing our work. I thank President Jacob Zuma for his continued support, confidence and guidance in pursuit of our executive responsibilities. Let me also acknowledge the unconditional support of my Cabinet colleagues. Special thanks to the Ministers in the Presidency, the management of the organisation led by Dr Cassius Lubisi, my special advisors as well as staff in my office who ensure that I can stand before this House today and report on the responsibilities assigned to the Office of the Deputy President. I thank you, hon members, for your attention. [Applause.]