China, Algeria pledge further cooperation

China and Algeria pledged on Wednesday further cooperation in areas including infrastructure construction, agriculture and tourism.

The pledge came out of the talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, who is the first Algerian head of government to visit China since the north African country won independence in 1962.

Li said China has built a complete, independent industrial system with adequate capacity in terms of industrial equipment and mechanization of agriculture, which can be offered to Algeria at a competitive price.

China is ready to cooperate with Algeria in areas of steel, cement, sheet glass and building materials, and participate in Algeria's construction of roads, railways, ports and airports, Li said.

China will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Algeria's energy, mining and agriculture, bringing China's equipment and professionals to help.

The premier also called on the two countries to cooperate in high technology areas including nuclear energy and aerospace, and provide more personnel and business exchanges.

Sellal welcomed Chinese companies to Algeria, which is promoting economic transformation.

He hoped the two countries could strengthen cooperation in areas including agriculture, energy, mining, infrastructure, high technology, renewable energy and tourism.

Li spoke highly of the traditional friendship of the two countries, saying China will strengthen coordination and cooperation with Algeria on major international and regional affairs, and promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

After the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of cooperation deals in technology, industrial investment, culture, education and nuclear energy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also met with Sellal on Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, Sellal offered a wreath to the Monument to the People's Heroes in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square. Endit