The minister of state for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, marking a key moment in bilateral relations.
The high-profile meeting, which took place at the BNC’s annual session, saw the two leaders engage in discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between the two African powerhouses.
A statement released by Matawalle’s media assistant, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
The BNC has long served as a vital platform for advancing cooperation in the defence, security, and economics. During the talks, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships and promoting mutual interests in these areas.
In particular, Dr Matawalle’s participation emphasised Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to bolster regional stability, with a focus on defence collaboration and peacekeeping missions across Africa. The two leaders expressed a shared vision for a more resilient and united continent, focused on tackling common challenges.
The BNC discussions also touched on ways to address broader issues, such as economic development and security threats in both countries. With Africa facing numerous challenges, both nations have emphasised the importance of cooperation and dialogue to ensure sustainable growth and stability.
“The engagement between Dr Matawalle and President Ramaphosa sets the stage for future collaboration,” the statement said, noting that the meeting is expected to pave the way for continued bilateral dialogue and action on pressing regional issues.
The strengthened relations come at a critical time for Africa, as Nigeria and South Africa play central roles in the African Union and other international platforms for peace and security.
By reinforcing their strategic partnership, the two countries aim to leverage their combined influence to foster regional peace and drive economic progress, ensuring Africa’s future is shaped by unity and collective action.
