Zuma heads to Nigeria
President Jacob Zuma will undertake a state visit to Nigeria on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.
|||Johannesburg - South Africa President Jacob Zuma will undertake a state visit to Nigeria on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, the Presidency has announced.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said Zuma was travelling to Nigeria at “the invitation of his excellency President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
South Africa and Nigeria have bilateral political, economic and social relations, underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.
The two countries conduct their bilateral relations through a structured Bi-National Commission (BNC) established in 1999.
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There are more than 120 South African companies doing business in Nigeria in various sectors, including telecommunications, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, entertainment and fast food.
With its large population and vast natural resources, especially oil and gas, Nigeria is South Africa's key trading partner on the continent, providing significant opportunities for its exports and investments.
Nigeria is ranked seventh in terms of South Africa's total trade in Africa.
“During the State Visit, President Zuma is expected to address the Joint Session of the National Assembly of Nigeria, and will together with President Buhari, address the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum,” the Presidency said.
Zuma will be accompanied on his visit to Nigeria by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane, as well as a South African business delegation.
AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY