Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs
19 October 2001
The Second Session of the Presidential Binational Commission between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria was held in Pretoria, South Africa from 16th -19th October 2001.
At the invitation of His Excellency President Thabo Mbeki of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, accompanied by a ministerial delegation and Algerian businesspersons, undertook a State Visit to the Republic of South Africa.
The Presidents led their delegations to the Second Session of the Binational Commission, during which both delegations initiated a comprehensive dialogue exchanging views on a wide range of issues, encompassing various aspects of bilateral as well as multilateral issues of mutual concern.
Both Presidents noted during their respective opening speeches, that the annual meeting of the Presidential Binational Commission would further strengthen and enhance the strategic relationship between South Africa and Algeria. Both Presidents declared that since the establishment of the mechanism for bilateral consultations, there had been significant exchanges and growing co-operation between the two governments and peoples on a wide range of interests.
The two Heads of State discussed approaches to expand the excellent ties that exist between the two countries, through greater promotion of bilateral trade and to increase investment flows. They stressed their Governments' determination to encourage the business communities of the two countries to seize the opportunities that exist. To this end, both Presidents welcomed the Third Meeting of the South Africa/Algeria Business Forum opened by their respective Ministers of Trade. These discussions within the forum further strengthened the ties of friendship, co-operation and solidarity between the two countries and concentrated on ways to further develop trade, investment and economic relations between South Africa and Algeria. To this end, both Presidents availed themselves to an Interactive Session of the Business Forum. Presidents Mbeki and Bouteflika witnessed the signing of several Letters of Intent and Commercial Agreements between the business sectors of both countries. They welcomed the announcement by four South African companies to open offices in Algeria to promote joint venture projects.
The deliberations of the Second Session of the Presidential Binational Commission provided the two Presidents and their Ministers with the opportunity to further the development of bilateral relations. In addition to the existing 17 agreements already signed between the two countries, another five agreements were signed, namely:
Further, two Protocols on Research Co-operation between the Agricultural Research Council of South Africa and the Algerian National Institute of Agricultural Research and cooperation in the water and forestry sectors were signed.
In addition to the above agreements, the Metropolitan Cities of Tshwane and Durban signed twinning accords with the Cities of Algiers and Oran respectively. Consultations are underway for a twinning Agreement between the City of Port Elizabeth and the City of Annaba.
The two Presidents briefed one another about the internal situation in their respective countries and noted the considerable progress achieved by both countries towards the furtherance of good governance and democracy. In this regard, President Mbeki reaffirmed the support and solidarity of the South African people with Algeria in its efforts to achieve the objectives of civilian accord and national reconciliation.
With regard to the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance that was held in Durban, South Africa from 31st August to 7th September 2001, President Bouteflika congratulated President Mbeki and South Africa for their exemplary leadership role during the Conference.
The Presidents expressed their desire to establish a continuous dialogue, contributing to efforts intended to put an end to conflicts and reduce tensions on the African Continent. Accordingly, they reaffirmed the commitment of their two countries to the principles and objectives of the OAU/AU, and expressed their continued support for the Central Organ of the OAU/AU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution. President Mbeki also congratulated President Bouteflika on the significant role played by Algeria during its tenure as Chair of the OAU.
The two Heads of State reiterated their support to the peace process in Western Sahara in keeping with the United Nations Settlement Plan and the Houston Agreement. They recalled in this respect that Western Sahara is a decolonisation issue and thus both Presidents reaffirmed the inalienable right of the People of Western Sahara to self-determination. Further, both Presidents reiterated their support to the United Nations Secretary General for the organisation and holding of a self-determination referendum under the auspices of the United Nations with the co-operation of the OAU/AU.
With specific reference to the Middle East Peace Process, they called on the international community to ensure that peace be restored to the region through dialogue and negotiations. They further expressed the urgent need for the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the Palestinian Territories.
Both Presidents condemned unequivocally the recent terrorist attacks that took place in the United States of America, expressed their sorrow at the loss of life and thus appealed for the urgent and speedy implementation of the OAU Convention relating to the fight against terrorism. Both Presidents recall Algeria's long suffering with this phenomenon, and that the country has always drawn the attention of its foreign partners to the threat terrorism poses to national, regional and international stability and security.
The two Presidents reaffirmed the commitment of their countries to the principles and objectives of the United Nations, which comprise an ideal framework for consolidating co-operation and coexistence amongst countries of the world. They re-visited the issues aimed at reforming and revitalising the United Nations in the political, economic and social arenas, especially the need to restructure the United Nations Security Council. They endorsed the consensus towards broadening the membership of the Security Council in order to be more representative of the international community, thus rendering the Council more effective in assuming its responsibilities. The Presidents reaffirmed the right of the African Continent to be adequately represented in an enlarged Security Council.
The Presidents welcomed the emergence of the African Union and concurred on the need to work together to ensure a smooth transition for the OAU to the African Union. They further stressed the role of the Pan-African Parliament in promoting democracy throughout the continent.
The two Heads of State expressed their commitment to achieving the vision of the Millenium Africa Recovery Programme. Both Presidents expressed the significance of this initiative in enhancing the vision of an African Renaissance and in pursuing a meaningful engagement between the Continent and the rest of the world.
Both parties expressed their satisfaction regarding the quality of the consultations established between South Africa and Algeria on these and other issues.
President Bouteflika expressed his sincere thanks to President Mbeki for the warm welcome and the fraternal hospitality that was extended to him and his delegation during their stay in South Africa.