Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
At the invitation of Mr Ahmed OUAYAHIA, Head of Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, His Excellency Mr THABO MBEKI, Vice-President of the Republic of South-Africa, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad, visited the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria from 4th to 6th July 1997.
During his stay in Algeria, His Excellency Deputy President THABO MBEKI was received by His Excellency Mr Liamine ZEROUAL, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, to whom he conveyed a message from His Excellency Mr NELSON MANDELA, President of the Republic of South-Africa. He also met with His Excellency Mr Abdelkader Bensalah, President of the People's National Assembly.
During their discussions, Deputy President Mbeki and Mr Ouyahia examined the Algerian South-African co-operation as well as the mechanisms to develop and promote bilateral exchanges for the mutual benefit of the two countries. They also discussed various regional and international policy matters.
The two parties also informed each other on the internal situation in their respective countries as well as on the recent developments in their respective regions.
In this context, the Algerian party welcomed the important steps achieved by South-African people towards the political transition and the building of a democratic State.
For its part, the South-African delegation expressed its satisfaction about the successful holding of the recent legislative elections and paid tribute to the Algerian government's efforts for the consolidation of the democratic process in Algeria.
The Heads of delegation reiterated their commitment to re-enforce and foster the existing relations between the Algerian and South African peoples.
The two parties also expressed their determination to pursue and deepen dialogue and political consultations between the two countries especially on questions of mutual interest. In this regard, they agreed on the necessity to establish a mechanism in order to encourage contacts and meetings between officials and institutions of the two countries.
With regard to economic co-operation, the two Heads of delegation emphasized the necessity to set up a legal framework in the near future for the organisation and the development of economic, cultural, scientific and technical co-operation between the two countries.
In this connection, they agreed to finalize, as soon as possible, the agreement on the institution of the Joint Committee as well as the conclusion of agreements in various fields interesting the two parties.
The two parties are convinced that excellent opportunities exist for substantially increasing their trade and investment relations. In this regard, both parties agreed that a trade and investment conference involving the business community of both countries will be organised.
Deputy President Mbeki is happy to announce South-Africa's decision to open an Embassy in Algiers as soon as possible. This will certainly give a new dimension to bilateral relations and an impetus to economic and commercial exchanges.
The two parties have reiterated the adherence of their respective countries to the objectives and ideals of the OAU and the UN which constitute an ideal framework for the consolidation of agreements, peace and solidarity between countries and peoples of the continent and the world. They also expressed their readiness to work jointly in order to contribute in the efforts to put an end to conflicts as well as to reduce areas of tension in the African continent.
In this context, they noted with satisfaction the relatively peaceful settlement of the crisis in the former Zaire and expressed the hope that this example will encourage the other parties involved in conflict in Africa, notably Congo (Brazaville), to seek a peaceful solution to their problems.
Concerning the situation in Sierra Leone, the two parties condemn the coup of 25th May 1997 and ask the coup perpetrators to allow the immediate return of the country to a legal and constitutional order.
In this regard, the Algerian delegation hailed the on-going efforts of the South African government to attain social stability and lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.
Concerning the Western Sahara issue, the two parties have re-affirmed their support to the Sahrawi cause and expressed their satisfaction about the UN's measures aimed at boosting the implementation of the settlement plan relating to this problem.
They are also pleased with the appointment of Mr James BAKER as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Western Sahara.
The two parties encourage the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front to pursue direct dialogue which would allow the establishment of a climate of confidence indispensible for the organization of a free and fair referendum.
With regards the question of Palestine, both parties have expressed their deep concern regarding the gravity of the last developments in Palestine and in the Middle East. They re-affirm their attachment to the pursuit of the peace process and renew their support to the Palestinian people for the recovering of his inalienable rights in conformity to the judicious resolutions of the Security Council of the United Nations. The two parties remain convinced that any fair and sustainable solution has to take imperatively into account the restitution by the State of Israel all the occupied territories including East Jerusalem.
The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria re-affirmed its support for South Africa's hosting of Olympics 2004 in Cape Town.
The two parties called on the African continent and the international community to support this bid.
His Excellency Mr THABO MBEKI has expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm and friendly welcome extended to him and to his delegation during their stay in Algeria.
He has invited Mr Ahmed OUYAHIA to pay an official visit to South-Africa. The invitation was accepted with pleasure and the date will be fixed through diplomatic channels.
Algiers, People's Democratic of Algeria 5 July 1997.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 6 JULY 1997