Algerian president meets Chinese state councilor on bilateral ties

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday met with visiting Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo, discussing ways to consolidate and deepen Sino- Algerian strategic and cooperative ties.

Dai, who arrived in Algiers on Tuesday, also talked with the Algerian president over the international and regional issues of mutual concern, according to a press release from the Chinese delegation.

During the meeting, President Bouteflika reviewed the traditional Algeria-China friendship, saying China has provided a lot of support and help during Algeria's fight for national independence and after its independence.

He said the two sides should continue to work together to strengthen cooperation in various fields and enhance the " brotherly" bilateral ties.

Dai, for his part, hailed the traditional friendship between the two countries and described bilateral ties as an "all weather" friendly and cooperative relationship.

Stressing that China will not forget the support and help offered by Algeria in many aspects, he said the two sides should further develop bilateral ties to bring about benefits to both peoples.

The two also touched upon Sino-African relations. Bouteflika said Africa is a new-born continent and full of hope, hailing China's adherence to its commitments of cooperation with Africa on a win-win basis.

Dai said China attaches great importance to Africa and the cooperation with Africa, and as Africa's influence and status is raising, China and Africa have shared growing mutual need.

He vowed that China, as a true friend of Africa, will work with the African countries, including Algeria, to promote peace, stability and development in Africa.

Also in the day, Dai held talks with Algerian State Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem.

China and Algeria established diplomatic ties in 1958. In 2004, heads of state of the two countries jointly launched the Sino- Algerian Strategic Relationship of Cooperation, which raised bilateral ties to a new high.

Source:Xinhua