Oluwatosin Enesi
Before the closed meeting, which was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa thanked President Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.
“Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,” the South African President said.
President Tinubu noted that President Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.
“I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,” the President stated.
President Ramaphosa was re-elected into office for a second term on Friday, June 14, 2024, following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance.
It will be recalled that a video where Ramaphosa was seen greeting world leaders who attended the ceremony but allegedly ignored Tinubu had gone viral, with many insinuating that it was deliberate.
Tinubu had embarked on the journey to South Africa on Tuesday, to attend the inauguration of the South African President for a second term in office.
In another development, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday confirmed his bilateral meeting with the recently inaugurated President of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Tinubu said their discussions were centred on the economy of the two African countries.
It will be recalled that the Nigerian President, on Tuesday departed Lagos State for South Africa, where he attended the swearing-in of President Cyril who was re-elected by Parliament on Friday, June 14, 2024.
Shortly after the inauguration, a video clip was circulated on social media platforms alleging that Tinubu was snubbed by his South African counterpart.
However, in a post on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu countered the report, saying he was warmly welcomed by President Cyril.
According to him, “President Ramaphosa’s warm welcome and dedication to mutual respect and cooperation reflects the depth of our relationship”.
On the bilateral meeting held by both presidents, Tinubu revealed that discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and enhancing the economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa.
“We intend to work together to address our countries’ challenges through robust trade and economic strategies, and I am hopeful that we can lead our nations towards increased prosperity and unity.
“Looking forward to collaborating at this crucial juncture for the progress of our continent”, he said.
Our Reporter
