Nigeria has requested South Africa’s support for its bid for full membership in the G20 and BRICS, emphasizing the importance of regional peace and seeking leadership roles under South Africa’s G20 presidency. The request was made by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the Bi-National Commission, highlighting cooperation in infrastructure and capacity development in the mining sector.
On Monday, Nigeria requested South Africa’s assistance in its pursuit of full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank. During the closing remarks at the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission ministerial session in Cape Town, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the importance of South Africa’s support for Nigeria to take on leadership roles in the thematic discussions during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
Moreover, Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional peace and solicited South Africa’s aid in expediting the peace process in Sudan, where President Bola Tinubu has taken an active role as a member of the African Union’s mediation committee. She emphasized, “We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process…”.
South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, responded positively, expressing that South Africa would promote Africa’s collective interests during its G20 presidency. He noted the mutual resolve to enhance the bilateral relations between the two nations, citing collaboration in various fields such as trade, investment, and climate change. Lamola stated, “We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility,” underscoring the expectation for both countries to work closely together to improve the quality of life for their citizens.
The meeting helped pave the way for a forthcoming high-level bilateral engagement between Presidents Tinubu and Ramaphosa, wherein significant agreements will be finalized. Furthermore, Nigeria aims to initiate collaborative initiatives with South Africa focused on the certification of mining professionals, demonstrating a commitment to capacity building within the mining sector.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked on Nigeria’s readiness to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development alongside South Africa. She stated, “We hope that the derivable benefits from this arrangement would help to enhance the capacity of our mining professionals to become globally competitive.”
The pursuit of membership in international organizations such as the G20 and BRICS reflects Nigeria’s aspiration to elevate its global economic standing and influence. G20, an assembly of the wealthiest nations, plays a significant role in shaping global economic policies, while BRICS represents emerging economies that constitute a substantial portion of the world’s GDP. South Africa’s presidency of both entities provides a vital platform for Nigeria to gain leverage in international dialogues. Additionally, the recent focus on regional stability, particularly in relation to Sudan, signifies a commitment to peace and cooperation among African nations.
Nigeria’s appeal for South Africa’s support in achieving full membership in the G20 and BRICS underscores its desire to enhance its standing in international forums. The cooperation discussed during the ministerial session paves the way for closer bilateral ties and collaborative efforts in various fields, particularly in promoting peace and economic development. Both nations recognize the strength of working together to address challenges and foster growth within the region.
Original Source: punchng.com
