Zuma, Jonathan discuss recent developments

This followed a decision by Nigeria to recall diplomats in the wake of xenophobic attacks in South Africa in the past few weeks.

"The two presidents reaffirmed the warm and cordial relations between South Africa and Nigeria and pledged that the two countries will continue to work together for the good of their peoples and the continent as a whole," presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement on Thursday.

"President Jonathan expressed his support for the efforts of South Africa to arrest the attacks on foreign nationals and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, including foreign nationals and those from the African continent, in particular who bore the brunt of the attacks earlier this month."

Maharaj said Zuma would attend the inauguration of Nigerian's president-elect General Muhammadu Buhari next month.