Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to issue 10-year visas to businessmen, academics and frequent travelers betweenboth countries.
The agreement was reached at the successful conclusion of the 9th Bi-National Commission of South Africa and Nigeria meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, which was elevated to the level of heads of state.
The agreement was reached in a meeting Chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
Its the first time both Presidents will preside in an effort to stem xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in SA and a consequent attack of South Africa business interest in Nigeria.
The decision was taken to encourage more people-to-people contacts among citizens of both countries and further strengthen socio-cultural, economic and political relations.
At the meeting held at the Union Buildings, Presidential Palace of South Africa, the two presidents agreed on early warning signals to nip violence in the bud before it escalates, while taking into consideration the need to share more intelligence and promote stronger partnership in security.
Both countries also agreed to re-establish the consular forum, which is a structured arrangement where both governments meet regularly, at least twice in a year, to discuss welfare of citizens.
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, signed the minutes of the 9th session of Bi-National Commission that concretise the agreements reached in a bid to foster unity and cooperation.
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