Imported User:
The eighth meeting of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission got underway on Monday in Cape Town, with preliminary discussion between senior officials of the implementation committee of the two countries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the commission, which was set up in 1999, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relation between the two countries.
Vice President Namadi Sambo is expected to lead Nigeria's delegation comprising seven ministers and other top government officials.
The meeting is expected to focus on issues related to mining , women development, police cooperation, art and culture, youth and sports and power among others.
A source at the meeting, who spoke to NAN on condition of anonymity, said the preliminary discussion was to harmonised areas of cooperation.
``The two countries are meeting today and Tuesday to discuss areas of cooperation and harmonise and ratify a number of diplomatic protocols aimed at strengthening the relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
``Issues to be discussed include the modalities for the implementation of the protocol on visa issuance, observance of international protocols one of which is related to the handling of port health checks and method of quarantine in the case of suspected health hazards among others,’’ he said.
It will be recalled that relationship between the two countries suffered a set back in March when South Africa's port officials deported more 100 Nigerians saying that the yellow fever certificates they were carrying were fake.
The action sparked a diplomatic row which ended after South Africa tendered an unreserved apology to Nigeria.
