BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China and South Africa on Tuesday hailed an agreement on the mutual exemption of visas to holders of diplomatic passports, saying it would facilitate personnel exchanges.

The agreement is one of the eight signed between China and South Africa during South African President Jacob Zuma's visit to China.

During a meeting with South African Minister of Interior Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, who is visiting China with President Zuma, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said bilateral relations had grown rapidly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 12 years ago.

He believed the visa exemption for diplomatic passports holders would enhance mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

He hoped the South African government would continue to take measures to safeguard the security, property and lawful rights of the Chinese nationals in South Africa.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma voiced appreciation for China's long-term support for African countries, saying China's assistance had enhanced their self-development abilities.

She said the visa exemption agreement marked the development of bilateral relations had reached a higher level.

She said the South African government would make every effort to protect the lawful rights of the Chinese nationals in South Africa.