Riyaz Patel
“South Africa considers Nigeria a great friend and strategic partner,” declared International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor in her opening remarks at the Ninth Bi-National Commission (BNC) of Africa’s two biggest economies.
The historic bonds established during the liberation struggle continue today, she said, “now focussed particularly on addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in our two countries.”
Pandor expressed “regret” over the recent attacks on some foreign nationals, adding, “I was most appreciative of your openness to discussing these challenges with me and the assurance you gave and acted on in support of our missions and South African businesses that faced retaliatory attacks.”
South Africa’s most senior diplomat pointed to the 32 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding inked by Pretoria and Abuja, but quickly added that more needed to be done.
“We also need to continue efforts directed at ensuring continental integration and development, as well as peace and security and stability in our countries, the Continent and the World. Together, we remain committed to the implementation of the development aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030.”
Pandor said South Africa is determined to continue working together with Nigeria to fast-track Continental cooperation and to monitor the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).
“This Agreement, if properly implemented, will unleash Africa’s economic potential and consolidate its position as a new frontier of economic growth and development.”
She also called on Nigeria’s support when South Africa assumes the Chair of the African Union next year.
“On our part, as non-permanent members of the UNSC, we remain grateful to our partners such as Nigeria for the vote you have us, and we will continue with the duty entrusted upon us, that of championing the interests of our Continent,” Pandor added.
Ahead of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to South Africa Thursday, the DIRCO minister said, “This Ninth Session of the BNC will allow our Principals, His Excellency, President Ramaphosa and His Excellency President Buhari to have the basis for discussing important issues of mutual interest and for further deepening relations between our two countries.”
This Ninth Session of the BNC, Pandor said, “is clear evidence of our intentions to further deepen ties… since the signing of the BNC Agreement in 1999, we have been purposeful in pursuing tangible outcomes aimed at ensuring real change.”
