Nigeria on Monday sought South Africa’s backing for its bid for full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
Nigeria is also seeking South Africa’s cooperation to take on leadership positions in theme talks of importance during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, made the plea during her closing remarks during the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town, South Africa.
On December 1, South Africa formally took the leadership of the Group of 20, a group made up of the world’s wealthiest nations.
The extended BRICS, of which South Africa is a member, has been credited with driving global economic development in recent years, accounting for approximately 37% of global GDP.
Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and encouraged South Africa to help accelerate the Sudanese peace process.
She stated that President Bola Tinubu, a member of the African Union’s ad hoc mediation committee, has prioritised resolving the crisis to promote regional peace and security.
“We are dedicated to resolving the Sudan situation, and under this pretext, we request South Africa’s assistance in accelerating the peace process and ensuring that tensions in our region are de-escalated.
”With peace, we can aspire for better progress and development in all fields,” she said.
The minister praised both countries’ staff for working hard to submit the draft statement and facilitate modifications and contributions made at the BNC’s ministerial session.
The written communiqué and agreed-upon minutes will be delivered to Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa during Tuesday’s presidential BNC session in Cape Town.
Dr. Roland Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, responded by stating that South Africa would magnify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency and noted Nigeria’s wishes.
