World enews: Buhari Receives South African President, Delegates In Abuja For Trade Talks Amid Omicron COVID-19 Variant

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, received President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the State House, Abuja.

At the opening of the 10th Session of Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in his office, President Buhari emphasised on people-to-people relations between South Africa and Nigeria.

According to him, this will evolve a bond that will be of benefit to both countries and the entire African continent, a statement from Femi Adesina, the presidential media aide noted.

Buhari further said Nigeria was committed to improving a “special relationship’’ with South Africa, which would translate into gains for the continent, particularly in education, science, trade and investment, tourism and security.

He was quoted as saying, “Mr. President, permit me to state that some of the challenges identified during the last Bi-National Commission (BNC) have not been completely addressed. We need to ensure that our people-to-people relations are enhanced to a point where there would be no need for unhealthy competition.

“In this regard, we need improvement in educational and scientific cooperation, mines and energy resources, transport and aviation, tourism, youth exchange programmes, trade and investment and military cooperation, to mention but a few.”

Buhari further told ministers and government delegates of both countries that the strong bond of brotherhood between Nigeria and South Africa would be of great benefit to Africa as a catalyst for economic, technological, social and cultural development and as a force for peace and security on the continent.

He further said, “Let me at this point re-iterate my commitment to ensuring that the special relationship between our two countries is continually strengthened.’’

He added that it was fulfilling that despite all the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BNC was still holding.

“It is also gratifying to observe that this has been brought about by the dogged commitment of senior officials from our countries.

“More importantly, it is gratifying to note that despite the pandemic, our timelines for implementing some decisions of the 9th BNC have been met. Similarly, discussions are ongoing on new and important areas of cooperation between our two countries.

At the end of the Summit, President Buhari expressed his delight at its successful conclusion, calling it, “heartwarming and a source of great pride that we have been able to further cement the special bond of fraternal friendship between our two countries.”

He also remarked that the agreement on Early Warning Mechanism would “improve the people-to-people relations of our two countries. Similarly, our two countries have established high-level official communication channels for diplomatic consultations, trade and investment, and will, shortly, inaugurate the Nigeria – South Africa Youth Dialogue. I am confident that these vehicles of engagement and cooperation will serve our mutual interests.”