CurrentReport Blog Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed on Thursday his bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, following Ramaphosa’s inauguration. The discussions, held in South Africa, centered on the economic futures of their respective countries, underscoring the robust relationship between the two African powerhouses.
President Tinubu attended President Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony on Tuesday after departing from Lagos State. Ramaphosa was re-elected by the South African Parliament on Friday, June 14, 2024, and his swearing-in marked the beginning of his renewed term.
A social media video clip surfaced shortly after the inauguration, suggesting that President Tinubu was snubbed by President Ramaphosa. Tinubu swiftly countered these reports through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He highlighted the warm reception he received from his South African counterpart, dismissing any claims of being disregarded.
“President Ramaphosa’s warm welcome and dedication to mutual respect and cooperation reflect the depth of our relationship,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing the cordial and constructive nature of their engagement.
During their bilateral talks, Tinubu and Ramaphosa focused on strategies to bolster economic collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa. Tinubu expressed optimism about the outcomes of their meeting, aiming for enhanced economic ties and addressing shared challenges through strategic trade and economic initiatives.
“We intend to work together to address our countries’ challenges through robust trade and economic strategies, and I am hopeful that we can lead our nations towards increased prosperity and unity. Looking forward to collaborating at this crucial juncture for the progress of our continent,” Tinubu remarked.
The meeting highlights the ongoing commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and drive economic progress across Africa. With the reaffirmed partnership, Nigeria and South Africa are poised to tackle regional challenges and foster mutual prosperity.
