Riyaz Patel
“South Africa considers Nigeria a great friend and strategic partner,” declared International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor in her opening remarks at the Ninth Bi-National Commission (BNC) of Africa’s two biggest economies.
The historic bonds established during the liberation struggle continue today, she said, “now focussed particularly on addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in our two countries.”
Pandor expressed “regret” over the recent attacks on some foreign nationals, adding, “I was most appreciative of your openness to discussing these challenges with me and the assurance you gave and acted on in support of our missions and South African businesses that faced retaliatory attacks.”
South Africa’s most senior diplomat pointed to the 32 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding inked by Pretoria and Abuja, but quickly added that more needed to be done.
“We also need to continue efforts directed at ensuring continental integration and development,
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