Relations between South Africa and Algeria are smoothed out

Relations with Algeria were restored after intervention by President Nelson Mandela. Deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad was sent to Algeria to smooth things out. On his return he stated that the two countries would strengthen ties by signing a bilateral agreement to develop areas of common interest. The relations between the two countries deteriorated after President Nelson Mandela received Anouar Haddam, head of the Algerian opposition Islamic Salvation Front. The Algerian government protested against Mandela's decision to meet with Haddam, whom it accused of destabilising Algeria and of committing terrorist crimes against Algerian people.