PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS FRANCE FOR SOUTH AFRICA TO CO-CHAIR 11TH SESSION OF NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION
President Bola Tinubu has departed France for South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa. This high-level meeting, scheduled for December 3, 2024, aims to strengthen bilateral relations and foster cooperation across various sectors.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH SESSION OF THE BNC
The presidential BNC will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town. Discussions will cover bilateral, regional, and international issues of shared interest, building on commitments made during the leaders’ previous engagement in June 2024.
WORKING GROUPS TO FOCUS ON KEY SECTORS
The 11th session of the BNC will feature deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest. These include:
- Political Consultations
- Consular and Migration
- Banking and Finance
- Defence and Security
- Manufacturing
- Social Sector
- Mines and Energy
- Trade and Investments
SIGNING OF MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING (MOUS) AND AGREEMENTS
At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements. These agreements are expected to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
BACKGROUND OF THE NIGERIA-SOUTH AFRICA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION
The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The commission has been instrumental in promoting bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors.
CONCLUSION
The 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries. As President Tinubu and President Ramaphosa co-chair the commission, they are expected to discuss key issues of mutual interest and sign several agreements that will further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.
