Zuma concludes Algeria visit

 

President Jacob Zuma has left the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria after visiting his Algerian counterpart on Monday for bilateral talks, the presidency said.

 

 

Spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement that Zuma and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika had reaffirmed their commitment to one another.

 

They would consolidate bilateral, diplomatic, political and economic relations within the framework of the Presidential Bi-National Commission (BNC).

 

Maharaj said they would share expertise and experience on housing, oil and gas, ICT and defence sectors.

 

They also spoke about the military.

 

They agreed that the African Union and its Peace and Security Council should play a lead role in curbing the issue of soldiers who turned into rebels, and then tried to gain power using military means, Maharaj said.

 

They also talked about the advantage of South Africa being a part of BRICS for the continent.

 

Zuma was now en route to Nigeria for his second working visit, with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

 

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane accompanied Zuma on the working visit.

 

 

- By Sapa