Issued by: The Department of Transport
MEDIA STATEMENT
Formalised co-operation in the field of merchant shipping between the Republic of South Africa and individual governments of the seafaring nations of the world at large has until recently been virtually non-existent. However, there has lately been a proliferation of initiatives from both South Africa's side and that of several seafaring countries towards concluding formal agreements on co-operation regarding merchant shipping and related matters. At this moment the Department of Transport is in various stages of considering or negotiating such agreements with close to thirty foreign governments.
The Department is pleased to announce that officials from the Chief Directorate Shipping and a delegation of the Algerian Government amicably discussed and reached consensus on the intent and text of such a co-operation agreement between our two countries.
The Agreement acknowledges the principles of sovereignty, reciprocity and mutual benefit and encourages co-operation in the field of merchant shipping and related maritime matters, promoting trade between the two countries and provides for the recognition of documents of vessels and crew.
The Agreement also allows for vessels of the two countries to sail freely between each other's ports which are open to foreign trade and envisages the establishment of a Bilateral Merchant Shipping Liaison Committee "with the purpose of promoting the co-operation between the Contracting Parties in the field of merchant shipping and to enhance the implementation of this Agreement by making recommendations to the Contracting Parties".
In a joint statement of intent issued by the negotiating teams it was agreed that any amendments which may later be proposed after due consultation with other interested parties will be negotiated through normal diplomatic channels.
Enquiries: Capt B R Watt Telephone number: (012) 2902904 Telephax number: (012) 3237009