The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will host and co-chair together with the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ramtane Lamamra, the Ministerial engagement of the 6th session of the South Africa-Algeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria on 18 March 2015.

The Ministerial engagement will follow a two-day interaction of Senior Officials and Technical Experts from 16-17 March 2015.

Bilateral consultations will be held within the context of the following six Binational Commission Technical Working Groups (TWGs) which comprises of several Technical Sub-Committees:

·         Technical Working Group 1: Quality of Life and Human Resources
·         Technical Working Group 2: People-to-People Co-operation
·         Technical Working Group 3: Energy and Infrastructure
·         Technical Working Group 4: Natural Resources
·         Technical Working Group 5: Defence and Security
·         Technical Working Group 6: Trade and Investment

During the engagement, of the Ministers will take stock of the progress between the two countries since President Zuma’s visit to Algeria in 2013 in anticipation of the convening of the 6th Session of the Binational Commission at Presidential level.  South African and Algerian bilateral relations are based on long-standing friendship and solidarity, mutual respect and strategic co-operation in continental and global fora.

Algeria and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral partnerships in the areas of science and technology, arts and culture, defence, trade and industry and are seeking to strengthen its cooperation in new areas of public works, energy and economic cooperation.
Enquiries: Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF

THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

16 MARCH 2015