Media Statement
12 November 2021
Minister Pandor visits the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will visit the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic from 13 to 14 November 2021.
The visits are aimed at deepening and strengthening the already existing good political relations dating back from the years of the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
In the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Minister Pandor will discuss matters of mutual bilateral, regional and multilateral interest with her Algerian counterpart, HE Mr Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad.
It is envisaged that the two ministers will review the implementation of the decision of the Binational Commission between the two countries and exchange views on the regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The relations between South Africa and Algeria culminated in the formation of a structured framework of cooperation in the form of a Ministerial Joint Bi-National Commission of Co-operation (JBC) in 1998. The JBC was later upgraded to a Bi-National Commission at the Presidential level in 2000, signifying the strategic quality of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Minister Pandor is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Foreign Affairs Minister, HE Mr Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, and will reaffirm South Africa’s continued support for the inalienable rights of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination, as well as exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
At the invitation of her Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic counterpart, Minister Pandor will also use the opportunity to visit Saharawi refugee camps and historical sites.
South Africa has maintained a principled position before the United Nations, the African Union and other international forums on the right to self-determination for the Saharawi people as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
Enquiries: Mr Lunga Ngqengelele, MLO – DIRCO, 082 566 0446
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084