South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, welcomed Nigeria’s delegation, led by Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, to the ministerial session of the 11th Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town. The meeting, which serves as a prelude to discussions between Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Bola Tinubu, focuses on strengthening ties and advancing cooperation across key sectors.
Lamola commended the enduring partnership between South Africa and Nigeria, which has spanned 30 years of diplomatic relations. He noted Nigeria’s historical support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle and described the current meeting as a crucial step in reinforcing bilateral relations.
Minister Ronald Lamola held a tête-à-tête with Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, ahead of the 11th SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, strengthening ties and cooperation.
⁰#SANigeriaBNC🇿🇦🇳🇬⁰#SANigeriaRelations pic.twitter.com/jlxy9XnkC8
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) December 2, 2024The BNC, established in 1999, provides a platform for collaboration in areas such as trade, security, migration, and cultural exchange. The 11th session builds on outcomes from the 2021 meeting in Abuja and aims to review progress made on prior commitments. Eight working groups, covering areas like energy, banking, and manufacturing, are expected to outline actionable strategies.
Lamola emphasized the need to enhance trade and investment between the two largest economies in Africa, calling for stronger economic collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). Expanding people-to-people relations, including cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges, was identified as another priority to foster mutual understanding.
The minister raised concerns about global tensions and the impact of conflicts on the African continent. He advocated for a collective effort to promote peace and called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council to make it more inclusive and representative.
As the newly assumed G20 chair, South Africa pledged to prioritize African development goals in its agenda.
