Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Algeria to take part in the 5th session of the South Africa-Algeria Presidential Bi-National Commission (BNC).
The two-day meeting will serve as a platform for the two Heads of State to discuss broad bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest to the two countries, according to the President's office.
Zuma and his Algerian counterpart, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, will hold talks on various issues including strengthening the already warm and deep relations between the two countries, enhancing African Unity and co- operation as well as the South-South co-operation among developing countries.
"It is expected that the bi-national commission will further provide an opportunity for all outstanding agreements and programmes of action between the two countries to be finalised," said the Presidency.
South Africa shares solid ties with the northern African country, dating back during the apartheid years. Post-1994, bilateral trade remains muted and South Africa is looking to tap into this resource-rich country. Algeria is endowed with huge gas reserves.
These two countries will sign agreements on the gas petroleum sector, nuclear energy and sport. Algeria will also take part in next month's FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Six groups working on issues such as energy and infrastructure, defence and security and trade and investment will report back on their progress.
The strengthening of relations between Algeria and South Africa, underscores their commitment towards the revival of the African continent and this is demonstrated by the roles they are playing in championing the Nepad agenda.
The BNC was established by a 22 September 2000 agreement as a structured framework for cooperation to promote political and socio-economic relations between Pretoria and Algiers.
Meanwhile Zuma has congratulated Cameroon on the occasion of their 50th anniversary of freedom from colonial rule by Britain and France.
"Your freedom has essentially encouraged us to wage an arduous struggle for Freedom in our country from the yoke of apartheid and colonialism," said Zuma.
He also congratulated the people of Southern Sudan on the occasion of the inauguration of President Salva Kiir Mayardiit.
Zuma said this inauguration signifies the path to peace, reconciliation and reconstruction for the people of Southern Sudan and Africa as a whole.
