Jonathan, Zuma pledge to promote African unity

After several months of lull in the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, the two countries appear set to put the past behind and forge better ties.

The visiting President of South Africa Mr. Jacob Zuma stated this Tuesday after about one hour behind the closed door meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

Zuma, who is on a working state visit to Nigeria, addressed State House Correspondents after his talks with Jonathan and said his visit was to consult with Jonathan on a wide range of issues affecting Africa. He also said his visit was a prelude to Jonathan's forthcoming state visit to South Africa.

He added: 'I have come to Nigeria on a visit to meet Mr. President as it concerns matters related to the two countries and also on matters related to our continent. As you know, very soon His Excellency, the President, will be visiting South Africa on a state visit and therefore, a lot of other issues that will necessarily be dealt with at that point. We thought we needed to consult particularly the situation in the continent.'