Visit to advance SA-Nigeria relations
South Africa and Nigeria are to advance their relations through a three-day visit by Nigerian's President Umari Yar'Adua to the country which starts today, Monday, 2 June 2008.
Hosted by President Thabo Mbeki, the state visit by President Yar'Adua to South Africa is the first since his election as President of Nigeria.
"President Mbeki will host the Nigerian President within the context of South Africa's commitment to strengthen bilateral political, economic and trade relations with Nigeria within the framework of advancing the Consolidation of the African developmental agenda," said the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The discussions between President Mbeki and President Yar'Adua are expected to include preparations towards the 2009 Review Conference of the World Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.
The recent attacks on people from other countries are also to be discussed and for this President Yar'Adua is to interact with the Nigerian community based in the country.
Other issues include the developments within the continent including progress towards the political and economic integration of Africa and the outcomes of the 4th session of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development hosted by Japan 28-30 May 2008, said the department.
Bilateral political relations between South Africa and Nigeria are strong with Nigeria considered as one of South Africa's important partners on the African continent in advancing the vision of Africa's political and economic renewal.
This is also marked by last week's South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) led by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Nigerian Vice President Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
Within the West African region, Nigeria became South Africa's largest export market in 2000, followed by Ghana, Mali and Cote d'Ivoire.
The country also became South Africa's largest import trading partner in Africa in 2000.
Many South African firms and investors are operating in Nigeria, Africa's biggest market with 140 million people.
Prominent among them is MTN, a digital mobile firm with over 30 million subscribers.
There are also many South African companies operational in Nigeria.
These include Game, Shoprite, NuMetro, Nandos, Standard Bank, DSTV Supersport, SAA, Eskom Enterprises, Spoornet, Denel, Engen, Sasol LTD, the Council of Geosciences, Standard Bank, Mintek, Kagiso publishing, Southern Sun.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews
