President Jacob Zuma has today, 15 April, arrived in Algeria, for a working visit where he will have bilateral consultations with H.E. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

The two countries enjoy close bilateral cooperation through the framework of the South Africa-Algeria Bi-National Commission of Cooperation (BNC), whose work is centred on the following key areas of interaction:

• Quality of Life and Human Resources;
• People to People Relations;
• Energy and Infrastructure;
• Natural Resources;
• Defence, Safety and Security, and
• Trade

It is envisaged that bilateral issues, such as the convening of the Sixth Session of the BNC in South Africa and the preceding BNC Ministerial Mid-Term Review to evaluate the status of bilateral relations, will be high on the agenda.

Moreover, South Africa and Algeria continue to work hand in hand in building a stronger African Union and its structures. To this end, regional developments will also feature prominently in the consultations with President Bouteflika.

South Africa and Algeria share common positions on key African and regional issues, including the resolution of the Mali conflict through dialogue, and the combating of terrorism and organised crime in the broader Sahel region, as well as on the decolonisation of the Western Sahara.

President Jacob Zuma is accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.