President Muhammadu Buhari and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, have vowed to put in place all measures needed to prevent a reoccurrence of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in that country.
This was contained in a joint communique issued by both leaders at the end of their meeting on Thursday in Pretoria, South Africa.
At the meeting, President Ramaphosa briefed President Buhari on the recent incidents of violence affecting foreign nationals living in his country.
He also acknowledged that the attacks on foreigners were not consistent with the values and principles underpinning the country’s constitutional democracy.
The South African leader, however, dispelled the notion that incidents of violence affecting foreign nationals were targeted at Nigerian nationals, saying other foreign nationals and South Africans were also affected.
He assured President Buhari that the South African government was fully in control of the situation and several interventions, including engagements with the diplomatic community and others, were underway.
On his part, President Buhari who condemned the attacks on Nigerians expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
He also invited his South African counterpart to pay a reciprocal visit to Nigeria on a date to be jointly agreed and communicated through diplomatic channels.
EXTRACT FROM COMMUNIQUE:
JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AND THE INAUGURAL SESSION OF THE ELEVATED BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA, PRETORIA
03 OCTOBER 2019
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa; His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, paid a State Visit to South Africa from 02 – 04 October 2019, and attended the inaugural session of the elevated Bi-National Commission (BNC), as part of continuing bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening and deepening cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria.
President Buhari was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising State Governors, Ministers, and Senior Government Officials.
The two Heads of State reviewed a wide range of bilateral, continental and global issues of common interest. They acknowledged the historical and strategic relations that exist between the two countries, and the need to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation.
The two Presidents noted with satisfaction the continued exchange of high-level visits and meetings between the two countries. In this regard, they recalled the successful working visit of President Ramaphosa to Nigeria in July 2018, during which the two Heads of State reaffirmed their collective desire and commitment to enhance political, economic and social relations between the two countries.
The two Presidents appreciated the vast nature of the two countries’ bilateral cooperation which covers, amongst others; Trade and Investment, Energy, Mining, Defence and Security issues, Justice, Police, Immigration, Tourism, Environment, Education, transport as well as Science and Technology. In this regard, the two Presidents took note of the thirty-two (32) signed Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), and committed themselves to ensuring that those which are in force are fully implemented while those which are not yet in force are to be revived for implementation.
Both Presidents noted with great satisfaction the economic cooperation between the two Republics and welcomed the steps to increase trade volumes as well as private sector investments. They welcomed the important role of the Business Forum, which took place on the margins of the State Visit. The two leaders further welcomed the decision to establish a Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade, and Investment. The inaugural meeting of the Council would be held not later than April 2020, in Abuja. The Council is expected to serve as a critical vehicle in facilitating and promoting private sector participation in the economies of both countries.
Both leaders took note of the significant footprint of South African businesses operating in Nigeria in sectors such as telecommunications, mining, aviation, banking and finance, retail, property, entertainment and fast food industries. They also noted and welcomed the business activities of Nigeria’s small, micro and medium enterprises, as well as the investment of Dangote Sephaku Cement in South Africa.”
(C) Control TV 2019.
