Cape Town — Benin President Thomas Yayi Boni, together with his delegation, was welcomed by President Jacob Zuma on his state visit to South Africa.
The two presidents walked together on the red carpet at the Parliament complex, greeting delegations from both countries individually as they entered Tuynhys in Cape Town.
Zuma welcomed his Beninese counterpart, who he referred to as his "brother and a good friend".
The South African president said "during our private talks, the two states emphasized strengthening economic relations through trade and investment, and creating jobs for citizens of both states".
After the talks, Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, Nassirou Bako Arifari, and South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane signed two co-operation agreements.
Zuma said the signing of the agreements as a sign of collective resolution of high-level interest, and that ministers will finalise agreements that were not official yet.
He said the two states reflected on the development of the two countries, shared political development views and reiterated the need for reform in the United Nations Security Council.
Zuma said that faster economic growth can be achieved using natural resources of developing countries. And that the two states will partner up working towards greening economy.
The South African president identified Benin as one of the countries that has good relations with South Africa, responding to the climate change issue by working with the country in preparation for COP17, crucial climate change talks to be held in Durban.
Zuma, before handing over to Boni, invited the Benin delegation to the ruling African National Congress' anniversary that will be held on the January 8, 2012, because the West African country has been a supporter of the ruling party since the apartheid era.
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The Beninese president started off by expressing his gratitude to South Africans and the government for the warm welcome presented to him and his delegation.
"I'm thankful for the fruitful discussions between the two delegations on employment, history similarities and the need to extend the relationship between the two countries," said the West African leader.
President Thomas Yayi Boni saluted former president and freedom fighter Nelson Mandela for his actions during apartheid and President Jacob Zuma's commitment to good governance as he recalled the firing of two ministers in Zuma's administration.
He applauded South Africa's vision and dedication in fighting for the continent and the leadership role it has taken in Africa, "bringing it together despite the challenges it faces from issues such as human trafficking, piracy and transport".
Boni also invited Zuma to visit Benin, saying: "I pray that God showers President Jacob Zuma and the citizens of South Africa with blessings."
