Nigeria and South Africa have agreed to finalize the long-pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Early Warning Mechanism to monitor and address threats of violence, criminality, and reprisals involving their nationals.
The agreement was announced in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The meeting, co-chaired by President Bola Tinubu and his South African counterpart, President Cyril Ramaphosa, underscored the urgent need to conclude the MoU, which was initially introduced five years ago following attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.
According to South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during a planned visit to Nigeria for political consultations.
The communiqué revealed that both countries are working on finalizing other agreements to deepen bilateral relations.
The leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation for mutual benefit, directing their ministries, departments, and agencies to intensify collaboration within the framework of the BNC.
The two leaders also welcomed significant South African investments in Nigeria and encouraged reciprocal Nigerian investments in South Africa.
To bolster economic ties, they emphasized the need to create an enabling environment for businesses in both countries.
On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both nations reaffirmed their dedication to promoting balanced trade and leveraging opportunities provided by the agreement.
They also pledged to collaborate on food and nutrition security, digital connectivity, and advancements in artificial intelligence, while prioritizing digital literacy and data protection.
Persecondnews reports that concerning international diplomacy, Nigeria and South Africa agreed to coordinate positions ahead of the African Union Commission elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to the continent’s development.
Nigeria sought South Africa’s support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, while South Africa solicited Nigeria’s backing for Ms. Swazi Tshabalala as President of the African Development Bank.
The leaders committed to advancing Agenda 2063, with a shared goal of “Silencing the Guns” across Africa.
They expressed concerns over ongoing conflicts, including the crisis in Sudan, and reiterated their support for Western Sahara’s quest for self-determination.
South Africa congratulated Nigeria on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s reappointment as Director General of the World Trade Organization and outlined its priorities as it assumes the G20 presidency in December 2024.
Both nations also addressed the escalating Middle East crisis, jointly calling for an immediate ceasefire, a return to diplomacy, and the upholding of international humanitarian law to protect civilians and promote sustainable peace.
The 11th session of the BNC highlighted the growing partnership between Nigeria and South Africa, reinforcing their shared vision for regional stability and prosperity.
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