The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa has always been one of great significance on the African continent.
President Bola Tinubu will travel from France to Cape Town, South Africa, on Monday to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The presidential session, scheduled for Tuesday, 3 December 2024, will follow a ministerial meeting set for Monday, 2 December, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.
Tinubu To Meet With South Africa President
According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu and Ramaphosa will engage in extensive discussions covering bilateral, regional, and international matters of mutual interest.
These talks will build on the commitments made during their meeting on 20 June 2024 in Johannesburg, shortly after Ramaphosa’s second-term inauguration.
The two leaders will also assess the progress achieved since the 10th BNC session, which took place in Abuja from 29 November to 1 December 2021.
This year’s session will feature eight working groups focusing on political consultations, consular and migration.
Also in banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.
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Officials from both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements at the high-level meeting.
History Of BNC Establishment
The BNC, established in 1999, was designed to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
The first Heads of State-level session occurred in October 2019 in Pretoria.
Since then, the BNC has served as a platform for sustaining dialogue and advancing cooperation in diplomacy, trade, security, and other areas of mutual benefit.
This year’s meeting holds special significance as it marks the 25th anniversary of the Commission, underscoring the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
President Tinubu will attend the meeting with a high-level delegation that includes state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.
He is expected to return to Nigeria after concluding the session.