The Nigerian Government has reassured South Africa that it will continue to strengthen bilateral ties between both countries for the mutual benefit of their citizens and economies.
Nigeria ‘s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said this at the closing of the Ministerial Meeting of the 10th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Abuja.
Onyeama said he is optimistic that the just-concluded meeting would facilitate the implementation of all signed MoUs and Agreements between the two countries.
He noted that senior officials of both countries deliberated extensively on a number of important issues related to bilateral relations between both countries.
Onyeama said both countries had a productive exchange of views, given the unique nature of the forum which brought together, a cross-section of key stakeholders dealing with issues from different perspectives.
The minister said Nigeria and South Africa “have enjoyed cordial relations over the years, underpinned by fraternity and a shared historical struggle”.
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He added that in spite of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus and the many resultant restrictions it imposed on both countries, Nigeria and South Africa had, through determined effort, actualized the target of hosting the bi-national commission “at this time”.
Saying it is a testimony to their common commitment to continually improve their relations and consolidate every gain made in this regard.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,Naledi Pandor, expressed appreciation over the continuous commitment to African solidarity shown by Nigeria towards South Africa.
Pandor said the actions from Nigeria “is a reflection of its well known solidarity in difficult times of the anti-apartheid struggle.
He added that the meeting is intended to affirm South Africa’s commitment to strengthening and fostering greater collaboration and cooperation in bilateral and multilateral relations to address common challenges for mutual benefit.
The Agreements to be ratified by both countries include Early Warning Mechanism, Agreement on Arts and Culture, Agreement on Youth Development, Agreement on Immigration, among others.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
