Tinubu Heads To Cape Town For Key Bilateral Talks With South African President Ramaphosa

President Bola Tinubu is all set to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Nigerian president will leave France on Monday and reach South Africa's Cape Town on Tuesday. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga issued a statement Sunday on X, revealing that Tinubu and Ramaphosa will have important discussions on various bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

Shortly after Ramaphosa's second term inauguration, a meeting was held in Johannesburg on June 20. Based on the commitments made during the meeting, the two leaders will review the progress made since the 10th Bi-National Commission (BNC) session in Abuja from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2021.

Onanuga said the 11th BNC session will include discussions in eight working groups, each focusing on specific areas of mutual interest, such as political consultations, consular and migration issues, banking and finance, defense and security, manufacturing, social sectors, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

Furthermore, both countries will be signing several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements during the high-level meeting.

This year's meeting is especially important as it marks the 25th anniversary of the commission, highlighting the strong and lasting partnership between Nigeria and South Africa. Tinubu will be joined by a high-level delegation, including state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

BNC was created in 1999 to build a strong relationship and cooperation between the two countries. The first meeting at the Heads of State level took place in Pretoria in October 2019. The BNC offers a platform for ongoing discussions and cooperation in important areas like diplomacy, trade, security, and economic development.

In June, Tinubu had met Ramaphosa for a closed-door meeting, following which the latter had thanked his Nigerian counterpart for attending his inauguration for a second term in office.

At that time, Tinubu and his entourage had arrived in South Africa in two private jets, just a day after Labour Party's leader Peter Obi said the federal government should avoid purchasing a new jet.

The presidency responded to Obi's posts on social media, calling them insensitive and wondering if he wanted to risk Tinubu's life by flying in faulty aircraft.