Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED FOLLOWING THE STOP-OVER OF PRESIDENT MANDELA IN NIGERIA
At the invitation of the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Nelson R. Mandela, made a stop-over in Abuja on his way back from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Head of State and Senior Government Officials received the President and his delegation warmly at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The two leaders had the opportunity to review recent developments on the African Continent and exchanged views on various issues affecting their bilateral cooperation.
President Mandela on his part again extended his congratulations to General Abubakar on the resolute steps taken towards the transition Programme and returning the Country to civilian rule. He expressed the best wishes of South Africa to the successful transition in Nigeria and pledged any support require.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflicts on the African Continent and call on various leaders to abide by the resolutions and decisions of the various Summits. They expressed particular concern at the conflicts in Sierra Leone, Congo and Angola.
The leaders reaffirmed the need for peace and stability, social harmony and development in Africa in order to uplift the standard of living of the peoples of the Continent. Towards this end, the two leaders agreed to continue their close cooperation.
ISSUED AT ABUJA, THIS 31ST JANUARY, 1999
For the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
For the Govern of the Republic of South Africa