JOINT COMMUNIQUE

1. H.E. 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 H.E. Mr. Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, met in Algiers on 15 October 2026, to review progress in implementing the outcomes of the 7th Session of the Algeria–South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC), held in December 2024, and advance the commitments set out in the Strategic Partnership Declaration adopted on that occasion. The ministerial meeting was preceded by expert-level discussions on 13 and 14 October  2026.
2. During his visit to Algeria, H.E. Mr. Ronald Lamola was also received by Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. This audience provided an opportunity to reaffirm the importance attached by both countries to strengthening their strategic partnership and advancing the implementation of the commitments undertaken at the highest level.
3. The two Ministers expressed satisfaction with the excellent state of bilateral relations, rooted in a shared liberation legacy, enduring solidarity and common principles: respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in internal affairs, international law, the right of peoples to self-determination, multilateralism and solidarity among countries of the Global South.
4. They reaffirmed their determination to move from building the legal and institutional framework of cooperation to implementing concrete projects, through a results-oriented approach based on clear priorities, timelines and monitoring. 

I. Follow-up on the BNC Outcomes

4. The Ministers welcomed the finalisation and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Mid-Term Review Ministerial Follow-up Mechanism The Mechanism will ensure regular monitoring of the BNC decisions, resolution of outstanding agreed matters and the implementation thereof.
5. They agreed to begin preparations for the 8th Session of the BNC in Pretoria, under the co-chairmanship of the Heads of State, focusing on priority areas that can deliver concrete and measurable results.

II. Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation

6. The Ministers affirmed that trade and investment are the key priority of the next phase of the partnership, given the potential and complementarity of the two economies.
7. They welcomed the progress made on the Joint Trade and Investment Committee (JTIC) and agreed to hold its first meeting as soon as possible, with a practical work programme focused on identifying high-value projects and partnerships.
8. They stressed the need to operationalise fully the Business Council established in 2023, and encouraged reciprocal business missions, including a South African business mission to Algeria, a fair of Algerian products in Johannesburg and direct contacts between operators and chambers of commerce.
9. The two sides agreed to explore new partnerships in industry, agriculture and agro-industry, pharmaceuticals, transport, logistics and infrastructure, the digital economy and start-ups. They also welcomed the planned discussions on twinning the ports of Djen Djen and Durban.
10. They welcomed the direct air link between Algiers and Johannesburg, and called for its use to facilitate the movement of business people, investors, students and researchers. They also underlined the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA for intra-African trade and regional value chains.

III. Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mineral Resources

11. The Ministers attached particular importance to energy cooperation. They welcomed ongoing consultations between the relevant institutions and encouraged practical partnerships in natural gas, LNG, petrochemicals and petroleum products, and in renewable energy (notably solar), green hydrogen, energy efficiency and storage.
12. They welcomed the ongoing consultations on mineral resources, including the recent visit to Algeria of a delegation of the South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and expressed readiness to cooperate in exploration, processing and manufacturing. They stressed the strategic importance of critical minerals and the need for partnerships that preserve African sovereignty over natural resources, favour technology transfer and local processing, and build African value chains. The Algerian side welcomed South Africa's role in the UN Secretary-General's Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.
13. They agreed to encourage reciprocal technical visits of experts and operators in the energy and mining sectors, with a view to identifying implementable projects.
14. The Ministers welcomed the meeting between H.E. Mr. Ronald Lamola and H.E. Mr. Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons of Algeria, which provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation in hydrocarbons, including natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, petrochemicals and related areas of mutual interest. They encouraged the relevant institutions and economic operators of both countries to pursue consultations with a view to identifying concrete partnership opportunities.
15. he Ministers also welcomed the meeting between H.E. Mr. Ronald Lamola and H.E. Mr. Mourad Hanifi, Minister of Mines and Mining Industries of Algeria. They noted the shared interest in developing strategic partnerships based on the exploration, processing and local valorisation of mineral resources. They further emphasised the importance of technology transfer, geological research, specialised training and the development of local industrial value chains, drawing on the complementary expertise of the two countries.

IV. Scientific, Technological and Academic Cooperation

16. The Ministers affirmed that science, technology and innovation are promising areas of cooperation. They welcomed the discussions towards a MoU between the Algerian Academy of Sciences and Technologies (AAST) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), and encouraged joint projects, researcher and student exchanges and partnerships among universities and start-ups in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, biotechnology and innovation, as well as cooperation in skills development.

V. Cultural and Historical Cooperation

17. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the shared liberation legacy and welcomed initiatives to commemorate the struggle against colonialism and apartheid, including joint cultural, intellectual and academic events.

VI. Regional and International Issues

18. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter, international law and multilateralism, and to reforming global governance for fair and effective African representation, notably in the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions. They reaffirmed support for the common African position on Security Council reform, as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, and stressed the importance of coordination within the AU, the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and other multilateral frameworks.
19. Palestine: The two sides reaffirmed their support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and to an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. They stressed the urgent need to end attacks against the Palestinian people, protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and hold accountable those responsible for serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
20. Western Sahara: The two sides reaffirmed their support for the inalienable right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN and AU resolutions and principles, and supported the UN efforts towards a just and lasting political solution enabling its exercise.
21. African crises: The Ministers exchanged views on the situations in Sudan, South Sudan, the DRC, Ethiopia, Libya and the Sahel, underscoring the importance of political solutions, inclusive dialogue, respect for State sovereignty and enhanced AU and regional capacities in conflict prevention and peace-building. Both sides acknowledged each other’s contributions to peace and stability in Africa, including through the AU and relevant regional mechanisms.

VII. African Integration and South–South Cooperation

22.  The Ministers underscored the contribution of their partnership to African integration. On the 25th anniversary of the NEPAD, they recalled their role in its creation and stressed the need to accelerate AfCFTA implementation, develop cross-border infrastructure, boost intra-African trade and investment, and advance Agenda 2063. They also agreed to enhance South–South cooperation in development financing, technology, and food and energy security, and to advance reform of the international financial system to better serve developing countries.

VIII. Prospects and Follow-up

23.  The Ministers agreed that the success of the partnership will be measured by its capacity to turn political convergence into concrete projects and measurable results. They agreed to give priority to strategic projects, in trade and investment, energy, mining, industry, and science and technology, to set clear timelines, to intensify contacts between relevant institutions, and to ensure regular reporting to the two Foreign Ministries.
24. They reaffirmed their determination to make the partnership a model of effective African cooperation, based on mutual trust, common interests and solidarity.
25. H.E. Minister Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, expressed deep appreciation to Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E Mr Ahmed Attaf, for the warm welcome and the generous hospitality extended to him and all members of his delegation and the constructive consultations held as usual in a cordial and fraternal atmosphere.

At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Mr. Lamola expressed his appreciation to the Government of Algeria for the warm welcome and the excellent organisation of the meeting. The two Ministers agreed to maintain close consultations on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.

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