China to work with Algeria to promote ties with Arab, African countries: FM

China is ready to work with Algeria to further develop its relations with the Arab world and with Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Abdelkader Messahel, the Algerian Minister of Maghreb Affairs, African Union and the Arab League. Both Wang and Messahel were in the Qatari capital to attend the 7th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab Cooperation Forum, which is scheduled to open on Thursday.

Wang said Algeria, as a major African country and an important member of the Arab League, commands unique influence in regional and international affairs.

Algeria is at a crucial stage in its development and China stands ready to serve as the most reliable partner in the country's efforts to diversify its economy, Wang said.

Messahel, for his part, said Algeria hopes to expand its role as the gateway to Africa and wants to further cooperate with China in the areas of infrastructure and nuclear energy, among others.

Wang also briefed Messahel on the historical facts about, and China's principled position on, the South China Sea issue.

Messahel said Algeria fully understands and supports China's position on the issue, and supports the settlement of relevant disputes through direct dialogue. Endi