SAN FRANCISCO, October 04, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari is back in Abuja after a three-day official visit to South Africa where he held bilateral talks with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The two African leaders also co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the 9th Bi-National Commission at the seat of government, Union Building, Pretoria, on Thursday.
At the meeting, President Buhari urged the South African government to open up its economy to allow the influx of more Nigerian businesses.
The Nigerian President also urged the South African government to create a business environment that would guarantee their safety.
While stressing the need for reciprocity in promoting trade and investment between both countries, President Buhari said that South African companies had enjoyed not only the unfettered access to the Nigerian market, but protection and enabling laws as well.
In his remarks, President Ramaphosa said that the attacks on foreign nationals by his countrymen was regrettable.
He gave the Nigerian President the assurance that his government would do more to safeguard lives and property.
Buhari invited President Ramaphosa to pay a state visit to Nigeria for ”a return match where we as the Super Eagles will surely revenge against you the Bafana Bafana!”
”Mr. President and dear brother, as I said, you have overwhelmed me and my delegation with your legendary South African hospitality.”
Before he left Pretoria, Friday, the president met with Nigerians in that country where he expressed his shock at the outbreak of xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.
“The recent acts of xenophobic attacks on our compatriots and other Africans in South Africa are shocking to me, Nigerians and indeed Africa.
“It was an embarrassment to the continent. Let me again use this medium to condole with the families of all those who lost their lives over the years in such tragic incidents. May their souls rest in peace,’’ he added.
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