President Muhammadu Buhari has told South African authorities to expedite actions to stop recurrent attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
At least, 12 Nigerians were reportedly killed in the height of Xenophobic attacks on nationals of other African countries living in South Africa.
The attacks have resulted in a growing exodus of Nigerians.
More than 600 Nigerians were repatriated to Nigeria by Air Peace airline.
Buhari, also called on the South African government to open up its economy for more Nigerian businesses, while guaranteeing their safety, stressing the need for reciprocity in promoting trade and investments between both countries.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the 9th Bi-National Commission at the seat of government, Union Building, Buhari said South African companies had enjoyed unfettered access to the Nigerian market, and protection with enabling laws, urging the government to design policies that favour investments from Nigeria.
The President had co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Bi-National Commission at the level of heads of state.
“We, in Nigeria, value the warm fraternal relations binding our two countries and cherish our Special Relationship. We consider South Africa an ally and a strategic partner.
“We need to implement those that have come into force, as well as to expedite necessary action to ratify the seven outstanding agreements that have not yet been brought into force.
President Buhari also “condemned in the strongest terms, attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa, the looting of their shops and businesses and burning of their properties’’.
“We call for the strengthening and implementation of all the necessary measures to prevent the re-occurrence of such action which threatens to undermine, not only our strong bilateral relations but also, what we stand for in the context of our vision for a strong and prosperous Africa.’’