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His Excellency, President  Jacob Zuma will today, 28 May 2015, undertake a working visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend the inauguration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari scheduled to take place on Friday, 29 May 2015 in Abuja.

President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari will be sworn in as the President of Nigeria following his victory during the presidential election held on 28 March 2015.

In his congratulatory message, President Zuma expressed his commitment to working closely with President-Elect Buhari to enhance the good bilateral relations which exist between South Africa and Nigeria, paying particular focus on the strengthening of economic cooperation. President Zuma also congratulated the people of Nigeria for conducting a peaceful, transparent, credible, free and fair election as declared by the Independent National Election Commission of Nigeria.

The Working Visit to Nigeria presents an ideal opportunity for President Zuma to further strengthen and consolidate historic and strategic relations between the two countries, and to discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern.

South Africa and Nigeria enjoy warm and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994, which culminated in the creation of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) in 1999. The two countries have already signed 34 Bilateral Agreements and cooperation continues to grow.

The total trade between South Africa and Nigeria increased from R15 billion in 2009 to R42 billion in 2013. The South African exports to and imports from Nigeria from January to December 2014 stood at R10.5 billion and R55.7 billion, respectively. Nigeria enjoys a surplus trade balance with South Africa, which is attributable to huge quantities of oil imports from Nigeria. Meanwhile South Africa exports vehicles, aircrafts and vessels, iron and steel products, machinery and equipment and plastics and rubber.

President Zuma will be accompanied by Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Issued by The Department of International Relations and Cooperation