His Excellency President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, has this afternoon, 15 April 2013, concluded his working visit to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, where he was hosted by His Excellency President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The purpose of the visit included:

1. Strengthening bilateral political and economic relations
2. Consultation on issues at continental and international levels

Through this visit Presidents Zuma and Bouteflika reaffirmed commitment by both countries to consolidate bilateral, diplomatic, political and economic relations within the framework of the Presidential Bi -National Commission (BNC).

In this regard, the ministerial mid- term review is scheduled to take place in the first half of 2013 in Algeria, to be followed by the Presidential BNC thereafter.

The two Presidents, in their deliberations, also found common ground on that the housing, oil and gas, ICT and defense sectors are viable areas within which both countries can share valuable expertise and experience.

The Presidents also discussed the disturbing trend of soldiers who become rebels and then seek to attain political power through unconstitutional military means. They agreed that the African Union and its Peace and Security Council must play a leading role in curbing the trend and finding peaceful resolutions to the conflicts within the countries that are affected.

The two Presidents also discussed the recent fifth BRICS Summit in Durban and overall advantages of South Africa's membership to the whole of the continent.

President Zuma thanked President Bouteflika for the warm and cordial hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.

President Zuma has also today, 15 April 2013, departed the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for the Federal Republic of Nigeria where he will be hosted by His Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan tomorrow, 16 April 2013.