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STATEMENT ON THE FIRST SESSION OF THE BINATIONAL COMMISSION (BNC) BETWEEN SA AND ALGERIA.
The First Session of the Binational Commission (BNC) between South Africa and Algeria will be held in Algiers from 22 to 24 September 2000 and will be hosted by the Algerian President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The South African delegation, including a business contingent, will be led by the South African President, Thabo Mbeki.
The Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) between South Africa and Algeria was established in 1998, as a direct result of the good bilateral relations between the two countries. It is held bi-annually, alternating between South Africa and Algeria. The aim of the BNC is to institutionalise the good relations that have been in existence between South Africa and Algeria since official relations were established in May 1994. On agreement between President Mbeki and President Bouteflika, the JBC with Algeria was upgraded to Presidential level and was consequently replaced by the Binational Commission (BNC), the first of which will be held in Algiers during September 2000.
To date nine bilateral agreements have been signed within the framework of the JBC with regard to co-operation in the fields of science and technology, trade, taxation and animal health. It is expected that further agreements could be signed during the BNC. The nine agreements are: establishing a commission for joint co-operation; convention for the avoidance of double taxation; customs co-operation; in the fields of science and technology; sports; tourism; bilateral air services; merchant shipping and animal health.
Representatives of various South African government departments, parastatals and the business sector are to be included in the delegation. It is expected that various projects would be identified during the interactions between the two delegations.
This very important event also addresses the core of what has become a movement towards revival, and by linking the extremities of our continent gives a symbolism to this BNC, emphasising the importance of an African Renaissance.
For more information contact Dumisani Rasheleng, Cell no. 083 709 8166
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs, 13 September 2000