African countries have aimed at appreciating and supporting one another in order to ensure a better continental growth. Recently, South Africa aims at supporting Liberia in their upcoming elections in October. To confirm this, President Jacob Zuma declared South Africa’s commitment to provide technical support and assistance for the Presidential and Legislative Elections in the country.
In addition, the President made the declaration some days ago after concluding discussions with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was in the country on a State visit. However, Liberia is preparing for its October General Elections.
President Zuma explained how important and beneficial unity can be to further enhance development among countries:
“We have agreed to deepen cooperation between our two countries across a number of fields and take these relations to a higher level. This visit has afforded us an opportunity to review a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. It is pleasing to note that we are of the same mind in relation to how and what our continent and the world should look like.”
Further more, the president extended his commendation to the country for defeating the Ebola virus outbreak that almost ruined the population of the country:
“At the time, we recall that the continental body, under the leadership of the then AU Commission chairperson, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, rallied the support of the Africa against Ebola Solidarity Trust, which pledged $34 million, to which MTN — a South African based telecommunications company — donated $10 million to the West African effort.”
He added that both countries need to be more mutually close so as to further expand economic growth and development. He also encouraged other private companies to invest in Liberia:
“In this context, we recall the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Technical Cooperation, which was signed in December 2015, which has the potential to enhance our trade relations. Currently, the major South African businesses that have large investments in Liberia are MTN and DSTV. We encourage more private sector companies to invest in Liberia.”
In order to encourage togetherness between the two countries, the two Heads of State have agreed to finalise the signing of a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports soon for larger economic expansion. There are also agreements to enhance both countries’ agriculture, health, tourism, energy, water and sanitation sectors:
“We are determined that our countries should continue to work together to take our relations to greater heights,” said President Zuma.
In addition to their discussions, the issue of continental peace and security was also raised. President Zuma explained the effects of these threats to economic development:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms all forms of terrorism and extremism. The activities of these illicit groups continue to dampen and hinder the much needed developments in most of the countries on the continent. Africa’s development is dependent on peace and stability. We would like to reiterate the call for all regional bodies to intensify efforts to rid our beloved continent of these negative elements.”
Further more, President Johnson Sirleaf explained that the visit provided the opportunity to look at the many exchanges that have taken place over the years in an attempt to identify specific areas of cooperation and partnership.
The two countries have set great examples to encourage mutual relationships between countries. However, South African president further encouraged many countries to be mutually beneficial to other countries in order to enhance economic growth and development.
