Nigeria has sought South Africa’s support for its bid to secure full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
Nigeria is also requesting South Africa’s backing to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
This appeal was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during her closing remarks at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town, South Africa, on Monday, according to a statement from the Presidency.
South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the Group of 20, which comprises the world’s wealthiest nations, on 1 December. The expanded BRICS bloc, of which South Africa is a member, has emerged as a key driver of global economic growth, contributing approximately 37% of the world’s GDP.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to regional peace, the Minister urged South Africa to support efforts to expedite the peace process in Sudan.
“We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and, in this regard, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and ensure that conflicts within our region are de-escalated.
“With peace, we can hope for greater progress and development across all spheres,” she said.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended officials from both nations for their efforts in preparing the draft communiqué and addressing amendments raised during the BNC ministerial session.
The draft communiqué and agreed minutes are to be presented to President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa during the presidential session of the BNC on Tuesday in Cape Town.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Roland Lamola, responded affirmatively, pledging that South Africa would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and acknowledging Nigeria’s requests.
“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this significant responsibility,” Dr Lamola said.
Co-chairing the BNC session, Dr Lamola stressed the importance of fostering dynamic and robust bilateral relations.
“Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our shared history, to continue working together more closely to improve their conditions and prospects and enhance their quality of life,” he said.
Dr Lamola highlighted priority areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defence, and security.
He also underscored the need to expedite the finalisation and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.
The ministerial meeting lays the groundwork for high-level discussions between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, during which key agreements will be signed, and initiatives to strengthen the strategic partnership between Nigeria and South Africa will be unveiled.