The South African Government congratulated Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his victory in the Nigerian presidential elections. Reacting to the results Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo described it as a victory for the people of Nigeria in their struggle for democracy and prosperity.
He added that South Africa had confidence in Chief Obasanjo's leadership abilities and looked forward to working closely with him.
The South African Government also congratulated the current Nigerian Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar, for the exemplary manner in which he had overseen the successful conclusion of the transition process to civilian rule.
Minister Nzo added that the results of the elections now offered the Nigerian people an historic opportunity to reverse the trend of military rule and to firmly entrench a civilian democracy in that country.
The South African Government stood ready to form a close partnership with a strong and democratic Nigeria, both within the West African region and the continent as a whole, in strengthening the interests of Africa, Minister Nzo said.
South Africa also looked forward to welcoming Nigeria back into the Commonwealth in due course, Minister Nzo added.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
1 MARCH 1999