Femi Fani-Kayode, the Nigerian High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa has presented his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, pledging to restore the longstanding historic friendship and strengthen diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa.
Statement from South Africa’s administrative office says, Fani-Kayode, who is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini, made this commitment while presenting his Letter of Credence to President Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, where he conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing President Ramaphosa, Fani-Kayode recalled Nigeria’s sacrifices during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, noting that both countries had reciprocated their solidarity in various ways. He described Nigeria and South Africa as major trade partners on the African continent, stressing the need to preserve their historic relationship.
The High Commissioner commended South Africa’s contributions to international diplomacy, particularly its efforts concerning BRICS, the Global South and Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, describing the country’s role as significant to strengthening Africa’s representation in global affairs.
President Ramaphosa, in his remarks, urged the newly accredited heads of diplomatic missions to work closely with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to identify practical areas of collaboration, particularly in economic growth, industrial development, job creation and skills development.
The South African President further assured the diplomats of his government’s support, urging them to engage stakeholders and use diplomacy to build bridges, create opportunities and improve the lives of ordinary citizens. He wished them successful tenures and welcoming them warmly to the country.
Fani-Kayode presented his Letter of Credence alongside ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions from the European Union, France, Germany, South Sudan, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar, Uruguay, Vietnam, Seychelles, Belgium, Cyprus, Timor-Leste and the Maldives, who also formally presented their letters of credence to President Ramaphosa.