21 June 2000
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Dlamini-Zuma arrived in Algiers, Algeria today on a two day working visit from 21-22 June 2000. Accompanying the Minister are officials from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Water Affairs and Forestry and Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.
Minister Dlamini-Zuma will meet and discuss the proposed Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Algeria with her counterpart and other officials concerned. The Minister will also pay a courtesy visit to the President of the People Democratic Republic of Algeria, President Abdel Azziz BOUTEFLIKA.
The Bilateral relations between South Africa and Algeria were formalised in 1994 and further strenghtened in Algiers in April 1998 when Deputy Minister Pahad and his Algerian counterpart Deputy Minister Lahcen Moussaoui signed the agreement that provided for a Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) between the two countries. The ceremony was immediately followed by the first section of that JBC in which eight other Bilateral agreements were signed addressing animal health, air services, double taxation, customs cooperation, merchant shipping, science and technology, sport and tourism. Further agreements in the fields of defence cooperation, education, trade and protection of investments have been considered.
South Africa's formal cooperation with Algeria forms a specific part of our relations in persuance of the aims of African Rennaissance that include achieving sustainable, stability, promotion and entrenchment of democratic values throughout the African continent by adopting joint positions where possible. Also advocating the adherence and the development of ground work for frequent and future debate about these issues in Africa's multilateral fora.
Algeria is ranked as the 45th biggest market for South Africa which means it is the largest export market for South Africa in NOrth Africa in 1999. Algeria is also ranked number 56th in terms of South Africa total trade and the first overall in terms of South Africa's total trade with North Africa.
South Africa exports to Algeria from January to July 1999 totalled R44,8 million, while imports from Algeria were R861,92 Thousand.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria
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21 JUNE 2000