They are good pals

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma will begin a two-day state visit to Nigeria on March 8, the Presidency has announced in Pretoria.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said Zuma was travelling to Nigeria at “the invitation of President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“During the State Visit, President Zuma is expected to address the Joint Session of the National Assembly of Nigeria, and will, together with President Buhari, address the South Africa-Nigeria Business Forum,” the Presidency said.

South Africa and Nigeria have good bilateral political, economic and social relations, underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the liberation struggle.

The two countries conduct their bilateral relations through a structured Bi-National Commission (BNC) established in 1999.

There are more than 120 South African companies doing business in Nigeria in various sectors, including telecommunications, aviation, tourism, banking, property, retail, entertainment and fast food.

Nigeria is South Africa’s key trading partner on the continent, providing significant opportunities for its exports and investments.

Nigeria is ranked seventh in terms of South Africa’s total trade in Africa.

Zuma will be accompanied on the visit by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson and Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane, as well as a South African business delegation.