Senior CPC official: Sino- Algerian ties to be upgraded to new level

Source: CCTV.com | 03-25-2008 13:24

Senior CPC official, Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau has met Algerian leaders. Li says bilateral ties between the two countries will be upgraded to a new level, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Searching for ways to deepen bilateral ties between China and Algeria highlighted the agenda during Monday's meeting between Li Changchun and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Beginning the meeting, Li Changchun first conveyed Chinese President Hu Jintao's greeting to Bouteflika. He noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the forging of the formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. And China is willing to take this opportunity to push the bilateral ties to a new high. He says the two countries should continue strengthening high level exchanges, deepening mutual political trust and furthering reciprocal cooperation in more fields. To advance bilateral trade, he suggests the two countries expand cooperation in the fields of energy, mining, telecommunication and infrastructure construction. The two countries should also conduct more exchanges in culture, science and technology, education and tourism. He says China will help set up a Confucius Institute in Algeria.

Bouteflika has visited China several times in the past. He says the Algerian people appreciate the Chinese government's policy in supporting African countries' fight for national independence and their struggle for economic development. He says Algeria is ready to work closely with China, make the most of the huge potential in the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in all possible fields. He stressed that Algeria won't change its adherence to the One-China policy under any circumstances and will continue to firmly support China's reunification cause.

Prior to the meeting with the president, Li Changchun also met Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci at the hotel he stays. After hearing Li Changchun's introduction about the recent unrest in Tibet, Medelci says the whole world recognizes the Chinese government's efforts to promote economic development and social progress in Tibet. He says the Chinese media's reports and footage help people grasp the truth. He says Algeria believes with the success of the Beijing Olympic Games, the world will better understand China.

On Monday afternoon, Li Changchun met with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem. He says Chinese enterprises will be encouraged to invest in Algeria, And he hoped Algeria will continue to support Chinese enterprises in Algeria to boost economic and trade cooperation.

Belkhadem says China's measures agreed upon at the Beijing summit on China-Africa cooperation helped develop Africa and benefit its people. Belkhadem is also Secretary-General of the Algerian National Liberation Front. He discussed with Li exchanges between his party and the CPC. They agreed to improve the party-to-party communications to facilitate the development of state-to-state relations. He reaffirmed that Algeria would adhere to the one-China policy. He also voiced his belief the Beijing Olympic Games will be a great success.

Also on Monday, Li Changchun attended a signing ceremony to activate a bilateral agreement for the peaceful use of nuclear power. He also visited the training center set up by one of the largest Chinese telecommunication equipment provider, ZTE. On Monday night, he received the staff at the Chinese embassy in Algiers and representatives of Chinese enterprises and students.

Li arrived in Algiers on Saturday night to begin his five-nation tour, which will also take him to Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Syria.

Editor:Zhang Ning