Algeria, South Africa agree on steps to spur trade

South African Deputy President Thabo Mbeki yesterday agreed with Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia on steps to boost cooperation and trade links, the official Algerian News Agency (APS) said.

The two delegations reasserted their determination to reinforce and consolidate links of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries, Mbeki and Ouyahia said in a joint statement carried by APS.

The agreed to set up a joint cooperation committee and work on finalizing an agreement for the interests of both asides, it said.

The South African deputy head of state announced that his government would open an embassy room in Algiers, which would be a vehicle to links and trade, APS said.

He held talks with president Liamine Zeroual and several other Algerian leaders before leaving Algiers yesterday at the end of a three-day visit.

Mbeki, who is almost certain to succeed president Nelson Mandela, visited Tunisia earlier in the week and is expected today in Mali. His trip is focused on developing trade relations with the three countries.

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