Nigeria seeks South Africa's support for its aspirations to join the G20 and BRICS

The request was announced by Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at a meeting with South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, in Cape Town, as reported by Pretoria News, a partner of TV BRICS.

"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.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed hope for support in the republic's quest to join BRICS and access the New Development Bank.

For his part, Lamola reiterated that South Africa's chairmanship of the G20 would work to strengthen Africa's influence in the international arena and focus on the continent's development priorities.

The ministerial meeting took place during the Nigerian President's working visit to Cape Town. At the South Africa-Nigeria bilateral commission meeting, South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa announced his intention to ease visa restrictions for Nigeria to facilitate trade and tourism between the countries. Specifically, he announced the introduction of a five-year multiple entry visa for Nigerian tourists.

South Africa's presidency of the G20 officially began in early December. The country is expected to focus on combating social and economic inequality, ensuring global food security, developing artificial intelligence and innovation to support sustainable economic growth.

Photo: Pretoria News