President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Friday said that relations between Nigeria and South Africa have been generally cordial and would be deepened and strengthened. Receiving the new South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Lulu Louis Aaron Mnguni, who was in the State House, Abuja to present his letter of credence, the President said the two countries are a strong force to be reckoned with on the African continent and would cooperate to promote the interests of the continent at regional and global levels.
President Jonathan, who called for the strengthening of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, described the African National Congress (ANC) as one of the best organised political parties in Africa. The President said he looked forward to the visit of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to Nigeria early next week.
Mr. Lulu Mnguni had acknowledged that Nigeria’s past contributions had made South Africa what is today, adding that he would use his tour of duty to build on the existing bilateral relations.
The new Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Thomas B. Amolo; the new Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Mustapha Pulat and the new Ambassador of Guinea Bissau to Nigeria, Mr. Gomes Cardoso also presented their letters of credence Friday to President Jonathan.
The President said he looked forward to harmonious working relationships between Nigeria and their countries during their stay while the new Ambassadors and High Commissioner expressed their determination to expand and strengthen bilateral ties between Nigeria and their respective countries.
