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Gibson Nyikadzino Herald Correspondent

ZIMBABWE and Algeria must continue to deepen relations in all sectors despite the tensions and upheavals shaking international relations today, Algeria’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nourredine Yazid, said yesterday.

Speaking at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of his country’s Independence from “over 130 years of barbaric invasion by the French”, Mr Yazid said to complement existing relations, Algeria was set to resume its scholarship facility for Zimbabwean students next year.

While historical ties and mutual co-operation between Zimbabwe and Algeria continue to exist, Mr Yazid said broadening co-operation in all sectors would solidify the existing bonds despite the unjustified sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.

“Our co-operation in the field of higher education through the annual offer of 100 scholarships to Zimbabwean students in Algerian universities, which we will resume from next year, is satisfactory.

“This co-operation should be extended to other sectors of interest to both countries,” he said.

Mr Yazid said the tensions and upheavals in the world today call on the global leaders to address the challenges of peace and focus on development to avoid the dangers of polarisation.

In a speech read on his behalf by Ambassador Pavelyn Musaka, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr David Musabayana, who was guest of honour, thanked Algeria for providing military training and solidarity to the Zimbabwean liberation movements when they were seeking to free the country.

He added that the resuscitation of the joint permanent commission on co-operation last held in 2009, would be an important step as the two countries seek to boost economic relations.

Dr Musabayana also thanked Algeria for its support that led to the election of Chief Fortune Charumbira as president of the Pan-African Parliament at elections recently held in South Africa.

“Our Government is concerned that economic, trade and investment co-operation between our two countries is not matching the excellent political relations that we share.

“I therefore call upon our two countries to work closely together to ensure that the joint permanent commission on co-operation is urgently resuscitated. In the same breath, it will also be helpful to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to boost our trade relations for the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries and peoples,” said Dr Musabayana.

He reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to continue working closely with Algeria at continental and international levels as the two countries advance common aspirations including the liberation and self-determination of the Saharawi people and Palestine.

In his congratulatory message, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Tamer Almassri, praised Algeria for being supportive of “all the oppressed people”.

“Today the revolution of Algeria belongs to all people of Africa because the concept of defeating occupation in Africa is important. Algeria taught Palestinians and Africans how to struggle, taught us freedom, self-determination and that no occupation will last forever,” he said.