H.E. Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa will host H.E. Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR), for a two-day State Visit in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-7 May 2013. This will be President Jonathan’s first visit to the Republic of South Africa.
The purpose of the State Visit is to further strengthen the bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
South Africa and Nigeria have over the years enjoyed close bilateral relations that are structured under the Bi-National Commission (BNC) that was officially inaugurated in 1999. Our bilateral partnership with Nigeria spans across a wide spectrum covering political, economic and social cooperation.
President Jonathan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of Cabinet Ministers, Governors of States, Business and Senior Government Officials.
The State Visit will be preceded by the 13th Session of the Special Implementation Committee (SIC) meeting of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.
It is anticipated that the discussions between the two Principals will concentrate on bilateral, regional, continental and multilateral issues.
It is expected that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed following the deliberations between the two Presidents and their delegations on 7 May 2013.
President Jonathan will address the Joint Sitting of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. The two Presidents will also participate in the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum which will further enhance the economic partnership between the two countries.
It is expected that the State Visit to South Africa by H.E. Dr Goodluck Jonathan will elevate the relations and place them on a good footing.
For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on +27 82 884 5974
