The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa is in Nigeria to Call for solidarity against travel bans.
Ramaphosa’s calls for solidarity against travel bans comes after European countries imposed travel bans on several Southern African countries.
The European countries imposed travel bans after Omicron variant was discovered in Soutg Africa and Botswana.
Ramaphosa and his entourage will visit Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal.
Meanwhile, acting Presidency spokesperson Tyrone Seale said the visit by Ramaphosa will strengthen relations with neighbouring countries.
“The visit, which concludes on December 7, serves to reinforce South Africa’s bilateral relations with the countries concerned and to strengthen partnerships directed at African development and cooperation in multilateral forums,” acting Presidency spokesperson Tyrone Seale said.
“During this visit, South Africa and the partner states will explore ways to leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area for mutual benefit and with greater support for businesses conducting intra-African trade and investment.”
Ramaphosa is accompanied by a delegation of ministers and business leaders, “in view of growing economic relations and people-to-people interaction between South Africa and these West African countries”, said Seale.
“The State Visit to the Federal Republic of Nigeria will coincide with the 10th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) and will reflect on progress made in advancing trade and investment between the two countries,” said Seale.
Ramaphosa’s four-nation West Africa regional tour will conclude in Senegal where Ramaphosa will be on an official visit from December 6 to 7.
Ramaphosa will on December 6 participate in the Dakar Peace and Security Forum.
“On December 7, Ramaphosa will together with his delegation of ministers, engage in an official visit programme between South Africa and Senegal.
“South Africa and Senegal already enjoy cordial bilateral political, economic and social relations underpinned by strong historical ties dating back to the years of the liberation struggle,” said Seale.
