Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa this week highlighted the significance of South Africa-Nigeria relations for Africa’s success after meeting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in Tshwane.
Ramaphosa spoke after a bilateral meeting with Tinubu in Tshwane, following Wednesday’s Presidential Inauguration.
He stressed economic co-operation, describing both nations as pivotal to the continent’s stability and growth.
“[F]or me what matters most is to be able to have very good economic links with Nigeria. The two countries – South Africa and Nigeria – are very important in our continent and when the two countries work together, which we are, and we do things together, it benefits Africa.
Their Excellencies President @CyrilRamaphosa and President @OfficialABAT briefed members of their official media on their engagement following President Tinubu’s attendance at the Inauguration of President Ramaphosa which took place yesterday at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.… pic.twitter.com/N0UfFY8hxc
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2024
“It is the two countries that are among the pillars of our continent and I’m particularly pleased that we support each other internationally in various fora, the UN [and other] multi-lateral institutions. Nigeria and South Africa are essentially joined at the hip and we want to engender good economic and trade relations between our two countries to address the challenges that our two countries face,” Ramaphosa said.
He praised Africa’s positive response to South Africa’s Government of National Unity, aimed at stabilising politics and boosting economic foundations.
[BILATERAL]: His Excellency President Matamela @CyrilRamaphosa in a bilateral meeting with His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Adekunie Tinubu @officialABAT of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Tinubu is in South Africa where he attended the Presidential Inauguration… pic.twitter.com/SJsjj6hjV4
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 20, 2024
“We’ve set up a Government of National Unity and I’m particularly pleased that the African continent has responded very positively to the news that we will continue stabilising politics of our country. But more importantly, through the Government of National Unity, we’re setting a very strong foundation for economic growth and to be able to attract investments,” he said.
Tinubu emphasised collaborative economic efforts amid regional challenges, following Ramaphosa’s recent inauguration for a second presidential term, necessitated by inconclusive elections.
“I’m here to congratulate my brother for putting together a very impressive outing – particularly for the Government of National Unity to stabilise the politics. That is coming at a very challenging time for the rest of us in Africa to really come up with collaborative economics that will help our downtrodden and vulnerable people,” Tinubu said.
Picture: X/@PresidencyZA
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Compiled byBetha Madhomu
