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24 February 2009

Your Excellency, My Dear Brother, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Mrs Jonathan,
Your Excellencies, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament and Governors,
Your Excellences, Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Senior Government Officials,
Members of the Media,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen

On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome that I and my delegation have received in your country.

Your Excellency,

We are indeed heartened by the cordial reception we were afforded since our arrival. This indeed confirms the determination of both countries in building on the strong and deep relations that have been developed through fraternal solidarity between our people.

This year marks an important milestone in the relations between our two countries. South Africa and Nigeria are celebrating the 10th anniversary since the establishment of the BNC in October 1999.Throughout this decade of the BNC, we have seen South Africa and Nigeria co-operating in many fields in a whole range of bilateral activities. Through the work of our Ministers, High Commissioners and Senior Officials, we have been able to deepen this strategic partnership.

Your Excellency,

This morning we met in our Second Review meeting to take forward the discussions we had in Pretoria last December. I am pleased with the outcomes of our meeting and wish to assure you of my country's commitment to ensuring that all our decisions are implemented.

Your Excellency,

Our countries economic relations have grown exponentially since the dawn of democracy in South Africa and the resumption of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

You will also agree, Vice-President that a lot of work still remains to be done to realise the full potential of our Bi-National Commission (BNC). While there has been progress in some areas, there has also been paralysis in a few others. For example, we need to work towards creating an environment that will encourage investment flows between the two countries, which would translate into jobs and the upliftment of communities in both our countries.

We therefore believe that the Joint Presidential Advisory Council on Investment, which we inaugurated this morning, will assist our governments and business entities, to explore such possibilities.

Your Excellency,

It is encouraging to note that the two governments are making efforts in enhancing implementation of projects and programmes aligned to the BNC in order to further strengthen our relations. We should expect measurable progress during the eighth session of the SA-Nigeria BNC to be held later in 2009.

Ladies and gentlemen, please rise and join me in a toast to the good health and prosperity of His Excellency, Vice President Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his wife; to the prosperity of the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the eternal bond of friendship and good relations between our countries.

To good relations!

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
24 February 2009