The forum venue of the China-South Africa Youth Volunteers Programme in Wildlife Conservation Forum was held at Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa on Nov 17, 2015. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The South African government treasures its ever-strengthening relations with China, a top official said as the countries launched two new cultural projects.

Both the China-South Africa Youth Volunteers Programme in Wildlife Conservation Forum and the China-Africa Wildlife Photography Exhibition were officially opened at Pretoria's Tshwane University of Technology on Nov 17.

Barbara Thompson, deputy minister of environmental affairs, said the forum was aimed at improving environmental awareness among young people and was part of a memorandum of understanding between the countries.

She added that her government hopes the countries can interact even more in the fields of technology, human resources and knowledge. She also expected collaboration to continue on issues such as African elephant and rhinoceros conservation.