Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has pledged to rebuild diplomatic relations between both countries, saying closer cooperation is important to the future of the African continent.
Fani-Kayode made the commitment on Friday after presenting his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
“Part of my job here is to reset that relationship, to come and build that bridge, and to ensure that whatever concerns we have, we can work them out and move forward together,” he said.
Fani-Kayode conveyed the greetings of President Bola Tinubu and recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during its struggle against apartheid.
He said both countries had a long history of friendship and solidarity, which should guide efforts to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties.
“Nigeria and South Africa have a long history of fraternity and friendship. We fought together, we stood by you, and we gave our blood and our treasure for you during your dark days,” he said.
The High Commissioner described Nigeria and South Africa as major trade partners on the continent and said their cooperation would benefit both countries and Africa.
“If Nigeria and South Africa work closely together, the destiny of our great continent will be more secure. It is in our mutual interest, and in the interest of our people and our continent, that we ensure that we stand tall, stand strong, and build that bridge,” he said.
Fani-Kayode also praised South Africa’s role in international diplomacy, particularly its contributions to BRICS, the Global South and Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20.
He said the relationship between Tinubu and Ramaphosa could help strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“Your brother, our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a great friend of South Africa and a great personal friend of yours. My prayer is that our friendship continues to grow stronger. We wish you well. We wish South Africa well. May God be with you,” he said.
Ramaphosa urged the newly accredited diplomats to work with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation to identify areas of practical collaboration.
He said the partnerships should focus on economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development.
“We encourage you to work closely with our Department of International Relations to identify practical areas of cooperation. We particularly welcome partnerships that support economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African President also assured the diplomats of his government’s support and urged them to engage stakeholders to build partnerships that would improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Fani-Kayode is also concurrently accredited to Lesotho and Eswatini.
He presented his Letter of Credence alongside ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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