The Nigerian Government has expressed its willingness to continue to partner with South Africa in fashioning out dynamic and robust programmes that will engage the youth of both countries with a view to checkmating the unpleasant occurrences of the recent past.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, made the disclosure on Monday in his office in Abuja, when the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Thamsanga Mseleka, paid him a courtesy visit.
Dare said both countries can engage its youth in the fields of sports, education, ICT skills and culture, so as to enhance socio-economic development of both countries.
According to the minister, the interactions between the two countries is expected to work out mechanisms that will give room for constant dialogue which will proffer solutions that will be implemented by both governments.
“I am happy that just as Nigeria is talking about how to protect the rights of its citizens, South Africa is also looking for same,” he said. This he said, will ensure that the desire of both countries for mutual collaboration is achieved.
The minister further emphasized that the conversation should go beyond youth meetings, to stakeholder consultations, aimed at strengthening the ties between both countries, adding that Nigeria and South Africa has a long time diplomatic relationship which should not be allowed to dissipate.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Nebeolisa Anako observed that the interaction that would strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries was long overdue, particularly considering the fact that both countries share so many things in common like sports, youth and culture.
In his remarks, the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Thamsanga Mseleka said that he was in the Ministry to brief the minister on the preparedness of his country to open up areas that will cement the long standing diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.
He assured that South Africa was ready to partner with Nigeria so as to work out mechanisms that will strengthen their relationship, especially with the involvement of the youth of both countries in the areas of sports, culture and education.
