Nigeria has requested South Africa’s support for its membership bids in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank while seeking cooperation to attain leadership roles in G20 discussions. The plea was made by Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu during the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission session. This aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, particularly concerning the Sudan crisis, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
On Monday, Nigeria formally requested South Africa’s support for its ambition to secure full membership in the G20, BRICS, and the BRICS New Development Bank. During her closing remarks at the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission ministerial session in Cape Town, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. Furthermore, Nigeria seeks South Africa’s assistance in attaining leadership roles in discussions relevant to the G20 agenda during South Africa’s presidency.
As South Africa officially assumed the presidency of the G20 on December 1, it stands at the forefront of global economic dialogue, representing the world’s wealthiest nations. The expanded BRICS group, which includes South Africa, has been acknowledged for its role in driving significant economic progress, contributing approximately 37% to global GDP. Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fostering regional peace and urged South Africa’s cooperation to expedite the peace process in Sudan. She highlighted that addressing the crisis is a priority for President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the African Union’s ad hoc mediation committee.
“We are dedicated to resolving the Sudan situation, and under this pretext, we request South Africa’s assistance in accelerating the peace process and ensuring that tensions in our region are de-escalated. With peace, we can aspire for better progress and development in all fields,” Ojukwu stated. The cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa is crucial, as both nations’ representatives worked diligently to finalize the draft statement and incorporate feedback during the ministerial discussions.
The written communiqué and the confirmed minutes of the session will be presented to Presidents Tinubu and Cyril Ramaphosa during a presidential session of the Bi-National Commission in Cape Town on Tuesday. Responding to Nigeria’s request, Dr. Roland Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for South Africa, conveyed his commitment to amplifying Africa’s voice in the G20 and acknowledged Nigeria’s aspirations.
This initiative arises within the context of Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its influence on the global stage as a key regional player in Africa. The G20 is a significant platform for the world’s leading economies, and Nigeria’s inclusion could provide an avenue for advocating for issues pertinent to developing nations. The BRICS alliance, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a growing economic bloc that has been pivotal in reshaping global economic dynamics. Nigeria’s focus on gaining membership in these forums signifies its intent to utilize multilateral platforms to bolster its economic standing and promote regional stability, especially in light of ongoing conflicts such as in Sudan.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s appeal for South Africa’s backing for entry into the G20 and BRICS highlights its aspirations for greater global participation and leadership roles. The collaboration between these two nations is paramount, especially in addressing regional challenges such as the situation in Sudan. Both nations anticipate that their partnership will not only foster peace and stability but also promote economic growth and development across the continent.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
