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S. Africa wants to cement ties with Nigeria's new gov't: president

Xinhua, April 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

South Africa is looking toward to working with Nigeria's new government to "enhance existing historically strong ties", President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday.

Zuma made the remarks in a statement issued by the Presidency one day after Nigerian opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari claimed victory in the country's presidential election.

"We congratulate the Nigerian people on a successful election," Zuma.

Like the rest of the international community, South Africa will await the official announcement from Nigeria's electoral body regarding the final result of the elections, the statement said.

Buhari, Nigeria's former military ruler, beat outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan by about 2.5 million votes, with Jonathan conceded defeat on Tuesday.

In the statement, Zuma praised Jonathan's move, saying it has shown the political figure's "readiness and commitment to ensure a smooth transfer of power with a view to consolidating democracy, peace and stability in Nigeria."

South Africa and Nigeria enjoy close bilateral relations structured under the Bi-National Commission that was officially inaugurated in 1999. Endi