Algiers – According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, boosting the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Algeria is essential for fostering African economic integration, collective prosperity, stability, and peace during his visit.
At the South Africa-Algeria Bi-National Commission in Algiers on Friday, December 6, 2024, President Ramaphosa remarked, “Our unity stems from the conviction that enhancing our bilateral relationship should further the aims of African economic integration, shared prosperity, stability, and peace.”
He underscored the critical need to enhance the capacity of the African Union and implement its mechanisms, including the African Court of Justice, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the AU’s financial institutions.
President Ramaphosa expressed his pride in addressing the 7th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
He acknowledged Algeria for successfully holding Presidential elections on September 7, 2024, where Abdelmadjid Tebboune was re-elected.
“We extend our congratulations on your re-election,” noted President Ramaphosa.
He remarked that the generous hospitality extended to the South African delegation reflects the deep and lasting fraternal bonds formed during their mutual fight for liberation.
This marks 30 years since South Africa attained its democracy.
“We take this moment to honor the numerous nations that supported our quest for freedom from apartheid,” President Ramaphosa stated.
“The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria was one of our foremost allies.”
“We owe a great deal to the people of Algeria.”
“While we have gained our freedom, the path of development continues.”
The Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Algeria acts as a forum to tackle matters relevant to both nations and the larger continent.
The relationship between the Republic of South Africa and Algeria has thrived since the establishment of the Ministerial Joint Bi-National Commission of Cooperation in 1998.
This partnership was elevated to a Bi-National Commission in 2000, reflecting the strategic nature of their bilateral ties.
This Bi-National Commission includes multiple areas of collaboration.
These include investment and trade, agriculture, water resource management, and information technology.
The partnership also embraces tourism and cultural exchanges between their peoples.
This Bi-National Commission highlights the significant potential for deeper collaboration.
President Ramaphosa stated, “We must enhance bilateral investment and trade between our countries.”
South Africa mainly imports chemicals, mineral fuels, ceramic products, and machinery from Algeria.
In contrast, South Africa’s principal exports to Algeria comprise prepared foodstuffs, fresh produce, machinery, and base metals.
“We should capitalize on the comparative advantages of both South Africa and Algeria to boost investment and trade,” President Ramaphosa emphasized.
For example, Algeria is one of Africa’s top oil and natural gas producers.
South Africa, with its abundant platinum reserves, is preparing to lead in the green hydrogen sector.
There are significant opportunities to enhance bilateral trade and investment in sectors like agriculture and agro-processing, aviation, automotive, mining, and financial services.
President Ramaphosa pointed out that the investment climate is favorable for collaboration in infrastructure development.
“We should prioritize our state-owned enterprises and businesses in supporting each other’s infrastructure projects,” he remarked.
“We must not depend on sourcing materials, products, and expertise from outside our continent.”
“We need to seize the prospects offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
Earlier this year, South Africa commenced preferential trade under the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
“We anticipate more nations across the continent, including Algeria, will engage under this Agreement,” President Ramaphosa noted.
“We are dedicated to working with Algeria on this.”
“As we endeavor to advance our nations and our continent, we must remain aware of the impacts of climate change.”
Severe weather conditions stemming from climate change—including floods, heatwaves, and extreme droughts—bring significant social, economic, and political challenges.
Like Algeria, South Africa is confronting water stress.
The repercussions of climate change call for increased cooperation in water resource management.
With nations aiming for low-carbon, climate-resilient development, there are opportunities for partnership in renewable energy and cleaner energy sectors.
“We eagerly anticipate the Business Forum scheduled alongside the Bi-National Commission as a key opportunity for South African and Algerian businesses to connect and explore possible collaborations,” stated President Ramaphosa.
“We gather in a period when global peace, stability, and security are in jeopardy.”
“In many regions worldwide, we are witnessing a rise in unilateralism, impunity, and overt violations of international law, which contradict the principles established by the UN Charter.”
“This threatens the spirit of multilateralism that should be central to global affairs.”
President Ramaphosa conveyed South Africa’s deep concerns regarding the escalating situation in the Middle East.
Israel’s persistent military actions against the people of Gaza continue unabated.
Over 43,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza due to retaliatory actions by Israel following Hamas’s surprise raid on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,100 fatalities and many others taken hostage.
“We reiterate our call for an end to hostilities, the safe release of remaining hostages, and for humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian population,” President Ramaphosa declared.
“As we have continuously emphasized, peace cannot be achieved without justice.”
“The only lasting solution to this conflict is to recognize the rights of the Palestinian people to statehood.”
“It is the duty of the international community to support every effort directed toward this goal.”
President Ramaphosa also raised concerns regarding the ongoing Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara.
“The people of Western Sahara have the right to choose their own destinies,” he stated.
“The United Nations and the African Union must expedite efforts to resolve this matter in accordance with the 1991 Ceasefire Agreement, UN resolutions, and the legal views of both international and continental bodies,” he added.
“Having gained our freedom through dialogue and negotiation, we reaffirm our commitment to peacefully settling conflicts and promoting peacebuilding initiatives in Africa, whether these conflicts are found in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Libya, Sudan, or Mozambique.”
Beyond the horrific humanitarian toll, these conflicts threaten the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims for peace and advancement across the continent.
“We renew our appeal for the reform and transformation of global governance institutions, notably the UN Security Council, to enhance their representativeness and alignment with global realities,” President Ramaphosa urged.
“As the Global South, we must stay united and advocate for a common voice.”
Recently, South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20.
“We plan to use our Presidency to promote the African agenda and advocate for the needs and interests of the Global South,” he noted.
“We look forward to welcoming you to the first G20 Summit to take place on African soil.”
During another segment of his State Visit to Algeria, President Ramaphosa experienced a guided tour of the Mujahid Museum.
The tour was conducted by Laid Rebigua, Minister of Moudjahidine and Rights Holders, along with R Belkroca, the Museum’s Director General.
Situated beneath the Makam Echahid, this museum collects, preserves, and exhibits artifacts and memories from the fight against colonialism, which began with the French invasion of Algeria in 1830.
The museum also showcases events from the uprisings in Sétif, Constantine, and Guelma in 1944 up to Algeria’s Independence Day in July 1962.
After its independence, Algeria supported South Africa in its struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
*All images credited to GCIS
