Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
"Algeria's invaluable contribution to the struggle for freedom in South Africa has paved the way for close cooperation between our two countries" Foreign Minister Nkosazana Zuma said.
Minister Zuma made these remarks while officially opening the South African Embassy in Algiers today. Recalling the longstanding ties between the two countries, she said that it was now important to turn the political goodwill into concrete benefits for the people of both countries. Minister Zuma also recalled that Algerian President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, in his ten capacity as President of the United Nations General Assembly, was instrumental in expelling South Africa from the world body in 1974. This historical event had set the course for all South Africans to attain their freedom and dignity, Minister Zuma added.
Minister Zuma said that the bilateral commission established between the two countries in 1995, had formed a solid foundation for greater economic cooperation. Already there were numerous South African companies doing business in Algeria, particularly in the mining and manufacturing industries.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
PRETORIA
14 July 1999