Pretoria to Host Next Algeria-South Africa Joint Commission
Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, and South African Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, confirmed a mutual commitment to advance their strategic partnership. Following a ministerial meeting in Algiers, both nations announced their intention to transition to the implementation of practical projects across multiple sectors. This development will see the eighth session of their joint committee held in Pretoria, under the co-chairmanship of both presidents, further strengthening bilateral ties that are rooted in a shared history of liberation struggles and principles of solidarity.
Key areas for enhanced cooperation include trade, investment, energy, mines, industry, science, and technology. Discussions between Algerian Hydrocarbons Minister Mohamed Arkab and Minister Lamola explored expanding partnership opportunities within the hydrocarbon sector, covering the entire value chain from exploration to marketing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Both sides emphasized reinforcing collaboration between Algeria's Sonatrach and the South African National Oil Company, alongside institutional cooperation between ALNAFT, ARH, and PASA, and encouraging South African participation in Algeria's Bid Round 2026.
Beyond energy, the ministers underscored the importance of fostering partnerships in renewable energies, mineral resources, and institutional and technical cooperation. They also highlighted science, technology, and innovation as promising areas, with discussions underway for a Memorandum of Understanding between their respective Academies of Sciences. Both Algeria and South Africa reiterated their commitment to common international principles, including the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism, advocating for fair and effective African representation in global governance. The strategic partnership aims to serve as a model for effective African cooperation, focusing on mutual trust, shared interests, and solidarity while contributing to continental integration, and reaffirmed support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
