Algerian President Highlights Shared Perspectives Between Algeria and South Africa

On Friday, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune underscored the alignment of views between Algeria and South Africa concerning regional and international matters, emphasizing the necessity of pursuing political solutions to crises without external interference.

“We engaged in an extensive discussion about current regional and international events, particularly the Zionist aggression against Gaza and Lebanon. I would like to take this opportunity to commend South Africa once again for its actions before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and to reaffirm our unwavering support for this initiative,” stated the President during a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa following their talks at the Presidential Palace.

“Concerning the situation in the region, we addressed the issue of Western Sahara, reiterating the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination and their legitimate rights in accordance with international law,” he added.

The President further noted that he and his South African counterpart exchanged views on the situations in the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, Central Africa, and Southern Africa, as well as “other topics related to the actions of the African Union.” These discussions highlighted “the convergence of perspectives between our two countries on the need to prioritize negotiated political solutions for resolving crises, free from external interference,” he remarked.

He also mentioned that both leaders agreed to intensify efforts within the United Nations and the African Union to “enhance our continent’s role and advocate for the African demand to reform the Security Council, aiming to rectify historical injustices against Africa, in line with the Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.”

Additionally, President Tebboune regarded the state visit of his South African counterpart to Algeria as a testament to the unique historical ties between the two nations, founded on close cooperation and enduring solidarity, thereby emphasizing the strategic nature of their bilateral relationship.

He pointed out that this visit facilitated a comprehensive assessment of the state of bilateral relations and explored ways to elevate them “to the level of our shared political will.” He stressed that the 7th session of the Algeria-South Africa Bilateral Cooperation High Commission, along with the Business Forum between the two countries, provided “a platform for exchanges among economic operators.”

Moreover, the President announced that during this visit, a Strategic Partnership Declaration was signed between Algeria and South Africa, along with five memorandums of understanding.

The President once again welcomed his South African counterpart and the accompanying delegation, wishing them an “enjoyable stay in Algeria, which has previously hosted leader Nelson Mandela.”