Nigeria has requested South Africa’s support for its bid to secure full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
Additionally, Nigeria seeks South Africa’s backing for its involvement in leading thematic discussions of mutual interest during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
This request was conveyed by Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, in her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, South Africa, on Monday, as stated in a press release from the Nigerian Presidency.
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On December 1, South Africa officially took over the presidency of the G20, a group comprising the world’s wealthiest nations.
South Africa is also a member of the expanded BRICS, which has emerged as a key driver of global economic growth, contributing approximately 37 percent of the world’s GDP.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, the Minister called on South Africa to support the acceleration of the peace process in Sudan.
She noted that President Bola Tinubu, a member of the African Union’s ad-hoc mediation committee, has made resolving the Sudanese crisis a priority to promote peace and stability in the region.
‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated.
‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ she said.
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The Minister commended the officials from both countries for their diligent efforts in preparing the draft communique, addressing amendments, and incorporating submissions made during the ministerial session of the BNC.
The draft communique and the agreed minutes will be presented to Presidents Bola Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session on Tuesday in Cape Town.
In his remarks, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, confirmed that South Africa would strengthen Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and acknowledged Nigeria’s requests.
“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” he said.
Lamola, who co-chaired the BNC session, emphasized the mutual resolve to deepen dynamic and vibrant bilateral relations.
‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely in order that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ he said.
Dr. Lamola emphasized key areas for collaboration, such as trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security.
He underscored the need to accelerate the finalization and implementation of pending agreements within the BNC framework.
This ministerial meeting paves the way for high-level discussions between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, where crucial agreements will be signed, and initiatives to deepen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa will be introduced.
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