International News
President Yar’Adua in South Africa
Jun 4, 2008, 08:39
| | The three-day State visit of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to South Africa continued on Tuesday March 3rd with bilateral talks between Nigeria and South Africa, with President Thabo Mbeki at the head of the host delegation.
President Yar'Adua had expressed Nigeria's concern about the attacks, as well as
commiserations for the lives lost and property destroyed, and praised the South
African authorities for bringing the situation under control.
He also asked the South African authorities to lift restrictions placed on Nigerian companies in South Africa, specifically asking for retail licences for Nigerian banks, "since we place no restrictions on South African businesses in our country".
President Yar'Adua also spoke on the outrageous visa fees imposed on Nigerians
going to South Africa, and asked for President Mbeki's intervention in these
issues.
Responding, President Thabo Mbeki apologised to President Yar'Adua for the xenophobic attacks on other nationals in parts of South Africa, and assured him that the situation has been contained.
The South African President also promised to intervene in the issues raised by the
Nigerian President.
Both leaders agreed that there were many bilateral agreements between the two
nations that need to be implemented and committed themselves to taking action on
them.
President Yar'Adua also addressed a joint session of the South African Parliament.
Related Stories:
President Yar'Adua's address to the South African Parliament
President Yar’adua urges a gradualist approach to establishment of Union Government in Africa
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