President Thabo Mbeki hosts the President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for the 4th Session of the South Africa Algeria Bi- National Commission, Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday, 5 - Wednesday, 6 October 2004

President Thabo Mbeki will host his counterpart from Algeria, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for the Fourth Session of the South Africa Algeria Bi-national Commission from Tuesday, 5 - Wednesday, 6 October 2004 in Pretoria, South Africa.

The Fourth Session of the BNC, will provide an opportunity for both sides to assess the progress made vis-à-vis the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the Third Session of the BNC held during October 2003.

The Inaugural Binational Commission was held in Algiers in September 2000.

The Fourth Session of the BNC is also expected to focus on initiating of specific projects grouped under the following:

• Science and Technology, Health and Arts & Culture;
• Transport, Tourism, Public Works and Housing;
• Trade, Finance, Customs and Chambers of Commerce;
• Mines, Energy and Hydrocarbons;
• Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Forestry & Environement;
• Information Technology, Telecommunications;
• Twinning of Cities;
• Industry, SMME's, Privatisation.

The two Presidents are also expected to discuss the following:

• global developments, with an emphasis on the situation in Africa, focussing specifically on the operationalisation of the African Union (AU) and its organs, implementation of NEPAD, and conflict prevention, -management and -resolution;
• developments regarding the operationalisation of the Peace and Security Council of the AU, with specific reference to the adoption of the framework for the establishment of the African Stand-by Force, Early Warning Mechanism and the Panel of the Wise;
• the launch of the Pan African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa on 16 September 2004;
• the adoption of the statutes of the ECOSOCC ;
• status of conflict situations on the African continent and progress by the Continent's leaders to resolve conflicts in Côte d'Ivoire and in the Sudan (Darfur);
• post-conflict reconstruction and development on the Continent eg in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and in the Mano River region;
• combating international terrorism and African efforts in this regard in cooperation with the international community;
• other international issues like the Western Sahara, Iraq and Israel/ Palestine.

Economic Relations

Since 1998 South Africa has experienced an increasing trade surplus with Algeria which further grew between 2000 and 2002.

The Algerian market holds substantial potential for South African Investors. Hydrodro-carbons, pharmaceuticals, infra-structural construction, the financial and manufacturing sector are some of the industries that offer lucrative opportunities. South African and Algerian Pharmaceutical companies, Saidal and Beula have signed agreements, to jointly develop specific products. Umgeni Water and the East Rand Water Board are negotiating for water reticulation and purification projects in Algeria. Similarly various engineering, telecommunications and IT companies are bidding for an assortment of projects in Algeria. Ninham Sands recently won a tender on the Algerian Highway Project.

Trade statistics

During 2003 Algeria was South Africa's 53rd largest export partner and its 123rd largest import partner.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

03 October 2004