Closing remarks by President Ramaphosa at the conclusion of the Official Talks during the State Visit and the 10th session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria

Your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari,
Honourable Ministers,
High Commissioners,
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

This session of the Bi-National Commission has given us an opportunity to review progress since we last met.

The detailed report that we have received today will guide us on what needs to be done over the next two years before the 11th session of the BNC. 

It is imperative that our two countries work together and develop new and innovative strategies through which we can collectively deliver on the mandate of this BNC. 

President Buhari and I have agreed that we will be monitoring the work of our Ministers and expect regular reports in preparation for our next BNC in South Africa in 2023.

We have once more affirmed that our longstanding relations must be strengthened. 

No doubt the agreements that our two countries have signed will further cement our ties.

We have endeavoured to forge ahead with building the Africa We Want, as laid out in Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

The ultimate goal of all the work we are undertaking is to deepen development in our respective countries and on the continent, and to push back the frontiers of poverty and inequality.

We have recognised that the prosperity of our two countries cannot be divorced from that of our continent, Africa, and that advancing the African Agenda is an over-arching priority.

We have recognised the progress made in deepening our political consultations, and in promoting intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

Our commitment to improving immigration protocols will support continental integration and make it easier for citizens in our respective countries to work and do business.

We agree that free movement of goods is beneficial for trade and investment, just as immigration reform is beneficial for tourism.

We have also agreed to work together to promote peace and stability in the continent, working with the AU and its organs. 

We agreed that our two countries will leverage past and present experiences to address threats to democracy and good governance in our respective countries and on the continent.

I wish to commend you for playing a key role in peace and security at the AU.

On climate change, we noted the declaration of the recently concluded COP26 in Glasgow and its call for parties to the Paris Agreement to Combat Climate Change to meet their commitments. 

We have reaffirmed our commitment to work with developed countries, at the same time emphasising that we must be allowed our developmental space, and that adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change must be in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

Our discussions on the need for reform of the institutions of global governance, such as the UN and WTO, reflect a common desire to see Africa playing a greater role and having a greater voice in these bodies.

I am encouraged by your thoughts on regional, continental and international peace and security challenges. 

I join you in calling for peace and calm in troubled parts of the continent. 

We both share the view that without peace there cannot be any development. 

I wish to thank you, Your Excellency, together with your Cabinet and officials, for making this 10th Session of our Bi-National Commission such a success.

I am particularly grateful for the manner in which you have led these discussions.

Your Excellency, allow me to extend an invitation to you for a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient time.

May our bilateral relations grow from strength to strength until our next meeting.

I thank you.