78th UNGA: Tinubu meets with South Africa President, seeks stronger economic ties

President Bola Tinubu on Monday held bilateral talks with South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New York City, as he sought stronger economic ties ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

This was disclosed via a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity.

President Tinubu emphasized the need for Africa to utilize the billions of dollars spent through International Development Finance Institutions like IMF and World Bank (a.k.a Bretton Woods Institutions) over the years to meet the specific needs of developing democracies within the continent. He said:

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to create together in close and intentional partnership, with each nation leveraging on each other’s respective strengths. He noted:

Ramaphosa also used the opportunity of the bilateral engagement to extend an invitation to Tinubu to visit South Africa, following President Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and the broader relationship between both countries.

President Tinubu is currently in New York to participate in the 78th UN General Assembly, which will run from September 19 to September 23.

He is expected to hold discussions with US President Joe Biden as well as other world and business leaders.