H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Laabas
Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.
It is my pleasure on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, to join the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria in the celebration of their 50th anniversary of National Independence.
Excellency,
The historical relations between our two countries span back to the solidarity and struggle by our Peoples against colonialism and apartheid. Our ties continue to strengthen as we move towards shaping a better life for our respective People, our regions and the African continent.
We hope to convene our sixth session of the South Africa – Algeria Bi-national Commission shortly to build on the successful outcomes of the fifth session which was attended by His Excellency President Jacob Zuma accompanied by six Ministers and a large business delegation. Thirty bilateral agreements have been concluded, thus far, and several more are being finalised for signature.
A delegation from the Department of Trade and Industry visited Algeria in October 2011 to strengthen our economic relationship proposing the creation of a Joint Trade and Investment Committee. These are but a few examples of the excellent cooperation that is taking place within the Technical Working Groups of the South Africa – Algeria Bi-national Commission.
His Excellency, President Bouteflika and His Excellency President Zuma at the fifth Bi-national Commission expressed their satisfaction with the excellent relations of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries. We, therefore, need to reinforce our engagements and consultations to strengthen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
In a regional context, South Africa also cooperates closely with Algeria through the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers.
Mr Ambassador,
The relations between our two countries continue to grow on all levels. South Africa and Algeria are working closely together in promoting African Union objectives, the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and supporting the role of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the continent.
It is essential that we consolidate our co-operation in order to ensure that the decisions of the African Union Assembly are effectively implemented.
In the United Nations and multilateral fora, we continue to support each other’s candidatures and co-operate in a number of other issues, such as environment and climate change, which are pertinent to our continent. One important issue being dealt with by the United Nations is the illegal occupation and annexation of the Western Sahara.
South Africa has taken a principled position on the decolonisation and right of self-determination of the People of the Western Sahara, and shares a common position with Algeria in supporting the United Nations’ efforts through its Personal Envoy to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.
We would also like to thank Algeria again for their support and participation at the first African FIFA Football World Cup in South Africa. We are looking forward to Algeria’s participation in the upcoming African Cup of Nations to be hosted next year in South Africa. We know you will field a formidable team as one of Africa’s football giants.
On this note, I should like to invite you to raise your glasses and join me in a toast to the warm relations between South Africa and Algeria and the prosperity of the Algerian people.
I thank you!
