BuaNews (Tshwane)
12 December 2011
Pretoria — President Jacob Zuma is back in the country after concluding working visits to Nigeria and Benin this weekend, his office said on Monday.
Zuma used the visits to strengthen relations with the governments and peoples of the two countries.
He held discussions with both President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and President Bon Yayi of Benin.
In Nigeria, the President highlighted the need for the two countries to work together to entrench Africa’s authority and position in the world.
“Nigeria and South Africa have a responsibility to play a leading role in the promotion of African regeneration and progress,” said Zuma, adding that they had recommitted to working even more closely together.
While in Benin, Zuma and President Yayi committed themselves to advancing political and economic cooperation. On economic matters, the two countries will explore cooperation on energy, especially renewable energy as well as defence and transport.
Among the highlights of the visit to Benin was the signing of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement which will yield, amongst others, direct flights between South Africa and Benin, operated by the national carrier, the South African Airways, from January 2012.
Zuma was honoured with honorary doctorates, which he said was a recognition of the contribution to development and progress in Africa by not only himself as an individual but of South Africa.
He was also awarded with Benin’s highest order, the Grand Cross of the National Order and the Traditional Chieftaincy Award “Dah Nonvignon” or King of Brotherhood, for promoting unity in South Africa and Africa.
“We look forward to great benefits for the country and the people of South Africa arising from such successful visits to the two countries in West Africa,” said Zuma.
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