By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, says the large sizes of South Africa and Nigeria’s economies dictated that the countries’ economic collaboration should be yielding much bigger results.
Lamola was speaking in Cape Town, where he co-chaired the Ministerial Meeting of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) with the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Lamola stressed the importance of expanding trade relations between South Africa and Nigeria, as well as utilising opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Our bilateral trade needs to reflect the enormous potential that is abundant in our countries,” he added.
Lamola said strengthening people-to-people relations is essential for fostering understanding, friendship, and shared values.
He is of the view that this approach also promotes tourism, creative industries, sporting events, and collaboration in education and science.
“This will also allow our citizens to appreciate the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and heritage that exists in our respective countries.”
South Africa and Nigeria are this year marking 30 years of diplomatic relations, established in February 1994.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with South Africa across diverse fields, particularly in infrastructure development and capacity building in the mining sector.
She said Nigeria would present a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration with South on the certification of Nigerian mining geologists and other professionals in the field.
“To this end, we have prepared a draft MOU for the consideration of South Africa.
“We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.”
Lamola also assured his counterpart that South Africa’s Group 20 (G20) Presidency, which the country assumed on Sunday, is committed to ensuring that African developmental priorities are highlighted.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the 11th Session of the BNC between South Africa and the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday.