Joint Statement of the Ministerial Follow-up Meeting on the Algerian-South African Strategic Partnership

Joint Statement Issued at the Conclusion of the Ministerial Meeting Dedicated to the Follow-up of the Implementation of the Outcomes of the 7th Session of the Algerian-South African Binational Commission for Cooperation, Held in Algiers in December 2024

The text of the Joint Statement reads as follows:

His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, and His Excellency Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, met in Algiers on October 15, 2026, to review progress made in implementing the outcomes of the 7th Session of the Algerian-South African Binational Commission held in December 2024, and to advance the implementation of commitments contained in the Strategic Partnership Declaration adopted on that occasion. The ministerial meeting was preceded by an experts' meeting on October 13 and 14, 2026.

The two Ministers expressed satisfaction with the excellent level achieved in bilateral relations, rooted in a shared legacy of liberation struggle, steadfast solidarity, and common principles comprising respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in internal affairs, adherence to international law, the right of peoples to self-determination, multilateralism, and solidarity among countries of the Global South.

The two Ministers reaffirmed their determination to transition from establishing the legal and institutional framework for cooperation to executing concrete projects through a results-oriented approach based on clear priorities, defined timelines, and mechanisms for follow-up and evaluation.

During his visit to Algiers, His Excellency Mr. Ronald Lamola was also received in audience by His Excellency Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. This audience provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance both nations attach to strengthening their strategic partnership and advancing the implementation of commitments agreed upon at the highest level.

I. Follow-up on the Outcomes of the Binational Joint Commission The two Ministers welcomed the completion of procedures for drafting and signing the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Ministerial Follow-up Mechanism for the Mid-Term Review, which will ensure regular monitoring of the implementation of Binational Commission decisions, resolve agreed pending matters, and guarantee their execution.

The two Ministers agreed to initiate preparations for the 8th Session of the Binational Commission, scheduled to be held in Pretoria under the co-chairmanship of both Heads of State, focusing on priority areas of cooperation capable of yielding tangible and measurable results.

II. Economic, Commercial, and Investment Cooperation The two Ministers emphasized that trade and investment constitute the primary priority for the next phase of the partnership, given existing potential and complementarities between the economies of both countries.

The two Ministers welcomed progress made regarding the Joint Trade and Investment Committee and agreed to convene its first meeting at the earliest opportunity under a practical action plan focused on identifying high value-added projects and partnerships.

The two Ministers underscored the necessity of fully operationalizing the Business Council established in 2023 and encouraged the organization of reciprocal business missions, including a South African business delegation visit to Algeria, an exhibition of Algerian products in Johannesburg, and direct contacts between economic operators and chambers of commerce.

Both sides agreed to explore new partnership opportunities in industry, agriculture, agro-food industries, pharmaceutical industries, transport, logistics, infrastructure, the digital economy, and start-ups. They also welcomed upcoming discussions regarding a twinning arrangement between the Port of Djen Djen and the Port of Durban.

The two Ministers welcomed the direct air route between Algiers and Johannesburg, calling for its utilization to facilitate the mobility of business leaders, investors, students, and researchers. They further highlighted opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand intra-African trade and build regional value chains.

III. Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mineral Resources The two Ministers paid special attention to energy cooperation. They welcomed ongoing consultations between relevant institutions and encouraged practical partnerships in natural gas, LNG, petrochemical industries, petroleum products, renewable energy—particularly solar energy—green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and energy storage.

The two Ministers welcomed ongoing consultations regarding mineral resources, including the recent visit of a delegation from the South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to Algeria, and expressed readiness to cooperate in exploration, processing, and industrialization. They highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals and the necessity of establishing partnerships that preserve Africa's sovereignty over its natural resources, promote technology transfer and local processing, and contribute to building African value chains. The Algerian side commended South Africa's role within the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.

The two Ministers agreed to encourage reciprocal technical visits by experts and economic operators in the energy and mining sectors to identify actionable projects.

The two Ministers welcomed the meeting between His Excellency Mr. Ronald Lamola and His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, which provided an opportunity to examine prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons, including natural gas, LPG, petrochemicals, and other areas of mutual concern. They encouraged relevant institutions and economic operators in both countries to continue consultations to identify concrete partnership opportunities.

The two Ministers also welcomed the meeting between His Excellency Mr. Ronald Lamola and His Excellency Mr. Mourad Hanifi, Minister of Mines and Mining Industry, reaffirming shared interest in developing strategic partnerships based on the exploration, processing, and local valorization of mineral resources. They further underscored the importance of technology transfer, geological research, specialized training, and local industrial value chain development, drawing upon the complementary expertise of both countries.

IV. Scientific, Technological, and Academic Cooperation The two Ministers affirmed that science, technology, and innovation represent promising areas for cooperation. They welcomed ongoing discussions aimed at concluding a Memorandum of Understanding between the Algerian Academy of Sciences and Technologies and the Academy of Science of South Africa, and encouraged joint projects, exchanges of researchers and students, and university-start-up partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology, innovation, and skills development.

V. Cultural and Historical Cooperation The two Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the shared legacy of the liberation struggle and welcomed initiatives commemorating the fight against colonialism and Apartheid, including joint cultural, intellectual, and academic events.

VI. Regional and International Issues Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism, as well as to reforming the global governance system to ensure fair and effective African representation, particularly within the UN Security Council and Bretton Woods institutions. They reiterated support for the Common African Position on Security Council reform as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, and emphasized coordination within the African Union, UN, Non-Aligned Movement, and other multilateral frameworks.

• Palestine: Both sides reaffirmed support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of their independent and sovereign state, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. They underscored the urgent necessity of ending aggression against the Palestinian people, protecting civilians, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and holding accountable those responsible for grave violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

• Western Sahara: Both sides reaffirmed support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN and AU resolutions and principles, and expressed support for UN efforts to reach a just and lasting political solution enabling the Sahrawi people to exercise this right.

• African Crises: The two Ministers exchanged views on situations in conflict zones across Africa and globally, emphasizing political solutions, inclusive dialogue, respect for state sovereignty, and strengthening AU and regional mechanisms for conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Both sides praised their respective contributions to promoting peace and stability in Africa, including through the AU and relevant regional mechanisms.

VII. African Integration and South-South Cooperation The two Ministers highlighted the contribution of their partnership to advancing African integration. On the 25th anniversary of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), they recalled their countries' founding roles and reaffirmed the necessity of accelerating AfCFTA implementation, developing cross-border infrastructure, boosting intra-African trade and investment, and advancing Agenda 2063. They also agreed to bolster South-South cooperation in development finance, technology, food, and energy security, and to advocate for reforming the international financial architecture to make it more responsive to developing nations' needs.

VIII. Future Prospects and Follow-Up The two Ministers agreed that the partnership's success will be measured by its ability to translate political alignment into concrete projects and measurable outcomes. They agreed to prioritize strategic projects in trade, investment, energy, mining, industry, science, and technology, establish clear timelines, intensify institutional contacts, and ensure regular reporting to both Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

The two Ministers reaffirmed their determination to make this partnership a model for effective African cooperation based on mutual trust, shared interests, and solidarity.

His Excellency Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and for the constructive consultations conducted in a friendly and fraternal atmosphere.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency Mr. Lamola expressed gratitude to the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria for the excellent organization of the meeting. The two Ministers agreed to maintain close consultations on bilateral, regional, and international issues of common concern.

Done at Algiers, October 15, 2026, in two original copies in the Arabic and English languages, both texts being equally authentic.