Nigeria’s visiting delegation, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has requested the assistance and support of South Africa to attain full membership of the G20, the BRICS and the BRICS New Development Bank.
This month, South Africa has officially assumed the Presidency of the Group of 20, a powerful club including the world’s wealthiest and developing nations including the People’s Republic of China, the United States, United Kingdom and the Russian Federation.
On Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the request in Cape Town, where she and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola co-chaired the the ministerial meeting ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Tinubu co-chairing the 11th session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Nigeria.
“I would like to mention that Nigeria seeks the support of South Africa with regard to obtaining full membership of the G20. We also need the support of South Africa for Nigeria to take leading roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s leadership of the G20,” she said in her closing remarks at the ministerial meeting.
“In addition, we are also talking about South Africa’s full support for membership of BRICS and its new financial institution, the New Development Bank.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also conveyed gratitude for the warm hospitality and comfort extended to her delegation which is in Cape Town.
She said since the establishment of the “brotherly relations” between South Africa and Nigeria, and the formation of the “all important” Bi-National Commission in 1999, the bilateral ties have been growing in leaps and bounds.
Lamola told the gathering that as South Africa assumes the presidency of G20, the voices of Africa will be amplified.
“I wish to assure the distinguished delegation of Nigeria that as my country has assumed the presidency of the G20 forum from December 1, 2024, South Africa is committed to ensure that African developmental priorities are highlighted during our presidency,” he said.
“Once again, my dead sister (Odumegwu-Ojukwu) I welcome you and you delegation with open arms of friendship as we open this segment. I look forward to the report of the officials and hearing your insights and perspective on the matters we are about to deliberate.”
Earlier, IOL reported that Ramaphosa has officially launched South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency at a media briefing held on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Accompanied by Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, Ramaphosa told journalists that South Africa’s G20 Presidency takes place at a moment in which the world is facing severe challenges.
“The climate change crisis is worsening. Across the world, billions of people are affected by underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger and unemployment. The outlook for global economic growth remains subdued, and many economies carry the burden of unsustainable levels of debt,” said Ramaphosa.
“Geopolitical instability, conflict and war are causing further hardship and suffering. This is all happening at a time of great technological change, which presents both opportunities and risks. While the challenges we face are common, their causes and consequences are unevenly distributed across and between countries.”
Working together with G20 members, and building partnerships across society, Ramaphosa said South Africa will seek to harness global goodwill and capabilities to confront these challenges.
The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global gross domestic product and 75% of international trade.
“The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy-making and fostering global economic stability. Decisions taken by the G20 have a direct impact on the lives of all members of the global community. It has a wide agenda that now includes trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, the environment, climate change and anti-corruption,” said Ramaphosa.
In line with South Africa’s theme, Ramaphosa said South Africa will seek to strengthen and advance the international effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
South Africa’s Presidency will be the first time an African country has presided over the G20.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL