Mbeki hosts Algerian leader
Matome Sebelebele
4 October 2004
President Thabo Mbeki will host his Algerian counterpart President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Pretoria on Tuesday for the fourth session of the South Africa-Algeria binational commission.
The two leaders are expected to discuss global developments, with an emphasis on the situation in Africa, focusing specifically on the operationalisation of the African Union and its organs, the implementation of Nepad, and conflict prevention.
The two are also expected to share notes on 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.
The two-day session will provide a platform for the two leaders, together with their senior officials, to assess progress made in implementing the decisions and recommendations around science and
technology, health and arts and culture.
The foreign affairs ministry said several projects will be tabled for discussion.
Officials said since 1998, South Africa had experienced an increasing trade surplus and that the Algerian market holds substantial potential for South African investors.
Hydro carbons, pharmaceuticals, infrastructural construction, the financial and manufacturing sectors 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.
Umngeni 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 to participate in the Algerian Highway Project.
Source: BuaNews
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