Relations between South Africa and Nigeria taken to a higher level
The State Visit to Nigeria has provided hope that Nigeria and South Africa are ready to work together more than ever before, in the promotion of prosperity, good governance, peace and security and a better life for the people of the two countries, said President Jacob Zuma on the conclusion of his visit to Nigeria today, 9 March 2016.
President Zuma undertook a State Visit to Nigeria on 8 to 9 March at the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari. He arrived back in Pretoria this evening, 9 March.
President Zuma’s State Visit to Nigeria is the first such visit to be hosted by President Buhari since assuming office in 2015. The visit signified the joint commitment of the two governments to strengthen existing bilateral political, economic and social ties.
“We view this State Visit as being truly significant as it has taken relations between our two countries to a much higher level. The Visit has sought to further deepen the historic relations between South Africa and Nigeria, which were forged during the struggle for liberation in our country”, said President Zuma.
The President held discussions with President Buhari, and also addressed the joint sitting of the Nigerian parliament which is a rare honour in that country. The last visiting head of state to address the Nigerian Parliament was the former US President Bill Clinton in 2000.
President Zuma also addressed the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum to boost economic relations between the two countries.
“We held very productive discussions yesterday between the two governments. The relations between the two countries are managed through a Binational Commission. We have taken an important decision to elevate the Commission to a Head of State level. The South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission will thus be chaired by President Buhari and myself and we will take full responsibility for managing relations between the two leading economies on the African continent.
In our discussions with President Buhari yesterday we noted with satisfaction the ever growing cooperation in many sectors including trade and investment; defence and security; immigration matters; energy; mineral resources, to mention but a few,” he added.
The President said the agreement reached to formalise the South Africa-Nigeria Business Council will assist in managing and advancing the economic relations between the two countries.
“South Africa is optimistic about the further growth of economic ties between the two countries. Nigeria has opened up its economy to South African companies in various sectors such as engineering, telecommunications, construction, aviation, media, hospitality, banking, hospitality, entertainment, property, retail, and oil and gas exploration services. We welcome this significant development. We would like to see the numbers of Nigerian investments in South Africa also increasing, as we promote two-way trade between these two nations,” said President Zuma.
The President challenged the business community from both countries today to ensure that they are not left behind in the fourth industrial revolution. He added that in one or two decades to come, Africa must ensure “that the abundant mineral wealth in our continent which is making other continents richer, must improve the lives of Africans. It must help us defeat poverty, disease and helplessness amongst our peoples”.
He added that Nigeria and South Africa must work in unity in bringing about peace and stability in the continent, through providing maximum support to the peace and security efforts of the African Union.
“Our people need peace. They need development, and they need to see their lives getting better every day”.
As he concluded the visit, the President emphasised that South Africa and Nigeria must deepen cooperation.
“It is when these two giants stand up and walk, that the rest of Africa will stand up and walk,” said President Zuma.
President Zuma was accompanied on the State Visit by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula; Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Mosebenzi Zwane and the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.
Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993
Email: bonganim@presidency.gov.za
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
Email: monyelatc@dirco.gov.za
