President Bola Tinubu will depart France on Monday, heading to Cape Town, South Africa, to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission with President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Bi-National Commission, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, will follow a ministerial meeting on December 2, 2024, at the South African Parliament in Cape Town.

In a statement issued on Sunday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said that the two leaders would engage in comprehensive discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual concern. Building on their previous meeting in Johannesburg on June 20, 2024, following President Ramaphosa’s re-election, the two leaders will assess progress since the 10th session of the Bi-National Commission held in Abuja in late 2021.

The 11th session will include deliberations in eight working groups, focusing on political consultations, consular and migration issues, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, the social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investment. Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements are expected to be signed during the high-level discussions.

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The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, established in 1999, seeks to foster closer ties between the two nations, with the first Heads of State-level session held in Pretoria in October 2019. The Commission serves as a platform for high-level dialogue on key areas such as diplomacy, trade, security, and economic development.

This year’s meeting is particularly significant, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Bi-National Commission, highlighting the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa. President Tinubu will be accompanied by a senior delegation, including state governors, ministers, and top officials. He will return to Nigeria following the conclusion of the Bi-National Commission meetings.

Credible News.ng