Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, 13 November 2009, ahead of the 10th anniversary celebrations of the South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC), which he co-chairs with the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr Goodluck Jonathan.
The theme of the celebrations is: "South Africa and Nigeria in partnership for a better Africa."
The Deputy President is accompanied by one Cabinet Minister and four Deputy Ministers, who are expected to engage their Nigerian counterparts on areas of cooperation between the two countries. Members of the South African business community are also expected to form part of the Deputy President’s delegation.
South Africa is represented by the following government departments: Energy, Trade and Industry, Tourism, Arts and Culture, International Relations and Cooperation, Education, Justice and Constitutional Development, Home Affairs, Mineral Resources, and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
After paying a courtesy call to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, Deputy President Motlanthe and his delegation will participate in several BNC meetings where issues of trade and investment, among others, will be discussed.
The two countries are already exchanging trade activities on sectors of telecommunications, engineering, construction, media, banking, retail, hospitality, oil, gas exploration and services.
The two principals will close the BNC activities by hosting a press conference on 14 November 2009.
For more information please contact:
Mr Vusi Mona
Cell: 082 047 2260
Issued by: The Presidency
13 November 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za)
