Khusela Diko, the spokesperson to the South African President, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Envoy to South Africa expressed “concern at recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa” during a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa
The spokesperson to the South African President also said in a statement sent to The News Agency of Nigeria, that President Buhari’s state visit would reinforce the bond between both countries.
Mr Diko stated that the visit, next month, would further strengthen their bond and jointly develop responses to challenges affecting people and businesses in South Africa and Nigeria.
According to him, President Cyril Ramaphosa held discussions, on September 6, with Nigeria’s Special Envoy, Ahmed Abubakar, on violence in South Africa and developments in Nigeria around South African businesses.
“The visit to Pretoria by the Special Envoy followed a recent meeting between Presidents Ramaphosa and Buhari in Yokohama, Japan, on sidelines of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
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“In their discussion, the Special Envoy conveyed President Buhari’s concern at recent events in South Africa, in context of the strong and cordial relations that characterise the interaction between the two countries.
“President Buhari conveyed his commitment to the values of prosperity and the advancement of Africa that are shared by South Africa and Nigeria.
“Nigeria stands ready to assist South Africa in establishing the root causes of and developing sustainable solutions to the challenges concerned.
“President Buhari has undertaken that where challenges emerge in Nigeria, the Nigerian government will act against lawlessness and the targeting of South African assets in Nigeria,” Mr Diko stated.
According to him, President Ramaphosa also reaffirms South Africa-Nigeria relations to be firm
Mr Diko added that both partners remained resolute in a shared commitment to building Africa at peace with itself and others.
Also, the South African Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Bobby Moroe, said his country remained committed to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria.
Mr Moroe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa would remain strong and on course.
The Attacks
The relationship between Nigerian and South Africa went sour last week following xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa.
At least 10 people were killed in the attacks.
The Nigerian government said no Nigerian was killed in the latest attacks. It, however, said several businesses owned by Nigerians were destroyed.
The Nigerian government in response withdrew its ambassador, withdrew from the World Economic Forum in South Africa, and encouraged its citizens in South Africa to return. The government also demanded compensation for victims of the attack and improved security for Nigerians in South Africa.
The government, however, condemned retaliatory attacks on South African businesses in Nigeria.
