Jonathan, Zuma meet; adopt common front on African problems

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa visited Nigeria on Tuesday.

The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, on Tuesday agreed to work together on issues of insecurity in the African continent.

The 50 years of the existence of the African Union also dominated discussions at the closed door meeting between both Presidents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Organization of African Unity, which later metamorphosed into African Union, AU, was formed on the May 25, 1963, and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in May, this year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President Zuma’s visit to Nigeria which is coming ahead of a planned state visit by President Jonathan to South Africa, first week of May, was planned to harmonize the positions of both countries on important issues affecting the continent, the South Africa President said.

He said the visit was also planned to coincide with the African Union’s golden jubilee celebration which is coming up at a time that the continent must move with one voice on issues that concerns it.

Mr. Zuma said he and Mr. Jonathan had consulted on various issues that will be dealt with when President Jonathan visits South Africa next month.

“Some of the issues raised were issues of security of the continent as you know that there has been some difficulties in a number of the countries. We touched upon those issues and certainly take the issues further when we meet in South Africa,” he said in short press briefing.

“We have had a very fruitful consultation and we believe that between Nigeria and South Africa, it is important to align and harmonize our thinking on matters that need the countries in the continent to take specific decisions,” Mr. Zuma added.

“But you are also aware that Africa will also be celebrating 50 years of the OAU and African Union establishment in the continent. And the issue really is we need to say what is it that we can look at and look forward beyond that time. We have had a very fruitful discussion,” he said.