Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa will, from today, undertake a State Visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. The State Visit – conducted at the invitation of Algerian President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune – is expected to conclude on Saturday, with President Ramaphosa leading a delegation comprising of Ministers, senior government officials and business leaders.

According to South African Government News Agency, the State Visit is an opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual concern and to reinforce the importance of accelerating efforts towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. The two Heads of State are also expected to co-chair the 7th Session of the South Africa-Algeria Bi-National Commission (BNC).

Relations between the two countries date back some 30 years and have grown into strong political, economic and social relations. These relations are conducted through the Bi-National Commission as a structu
red mechanism that provides for political, economic, social, cultural, scientific, and technical cooperation. The BNC will review progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during the 6th Session in 2015. Additionally, the 7th Session of South Africa-Algeria BNC will also be a platform to sign Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements.

On the sidelines, South African and Algerian business leaders are expected to participate in the South Africa-Algeria Business Forum where companies and entrepreneurs will be able to explore possibilities in trade and investment and the exchange of technologies.