The President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, paid a state visit to China from July 17-21, 2023, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
This was Tebboune’s first visit to China since he assumed the Presidency in 2019. However, China’s contacts with the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) date back to the 1950s, when the Algerian people were engaged in a bitter war of national liberation against French colonialism. China was the first non-Arab country to recognise Algeria’s independence and to establish diplomatic relations with the fledgling Algerian republic. In 2014, Algeria became the first Arab country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
Meeting his Algerian counterpart on July 18, Xi Jinping noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria. Xi said that, 65 years ago, China and Algeria were brought together by the common cause of opposing imperialism and colonialism and seeking national independence and liberation. Since then, the two countries have helped each other through thick and thin and rendered mutual understanding and support to one another. They have been true friends and natural partners in the pursuit of common development and national rejuvenation. He thanked Algeria for its unequivocal support for China’s just position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and human rights, and reaffirmed that China firmly supports Algeria in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Algeria in following a development path that fits its national reality, and opposes external interference in Algeria’s internal affairs.
Xi added that this year marks the 60th anniversary of China sending its first medical team to Algeria. (And China’s first medical team to any foreign country.) Over the last six decades, 3,522 Chinese medical workers have been sent to Algeria, treating over 27 million people and delivering over 2.07 million babies. “This is a monument to the China-Algeria friendship,” Xi said.
President Tebboune said that China is the most important friend and partner of Algeria. He thanked China for giving Algeria valuable support of various sorts over the years, saying Algeria firmly supports China’s position on issues concerning its core interests such as Taiwan and Xinjiang. He added that Algeria supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. He expressed readiness for Algeria to take an active part in Belt and Road cooperation and to deepen the Algeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership, which will give a boost to economic and social development in Algeria.
Following their talks, the two heads of state issued a joint statement, in which they recalled the profound traditional friendly relations between the two countries and pointed out that this visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations and is of great significance.
Having discussed the need to further enhance political and security cooperation and that in diversified economic fields, as well as in such areas as culture, sports, tourism and journalism, the two heads of state said they would like to take the celebration of the 60th anniversary of China’s dispatch of the first foreign medical team to Algeria as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the field of health between the two countries.
With the summit of the BRICS grouping, presently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, due to be held in South Africa in August, and with more than 40 countries having reportedly expressed an interest in joining, the Algerian side once again informed the Chinese side of the measures taken by them to apply for BRICS membership. China welcomes the positive willingness of Algeria to join the BRICS countries and supports its efforts to achieve this goal. The Algerian side appreciates China’s position and its expression of willingness to support Algeria at all stages of this process.
China, the statement said, supports Algeria in playing an important and constructive role in international and regional affairs, and appreciates the initiatives and ideas put forward by Algeria and its positive efforts to promote a just and lasting settlement of the Middle East issue. The two sides stressed that the question of Palestine should be resolved in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, ensuring the right of the Palestinian people to establish a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. China appreciates President Tebboune’s positive efforts to achieve Palestinian unity and intra-Palestinian reconciliation, as well as the Algiers Declaration issued in that regard. The Algerian side appreciates President Xi Jinping’s many initiatives on the settlement of the Palestinian issue, especially the recent three-point proposal; it appreciates China’s long-standing firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights and supports all Palestinian factions in strengthening unity and achieving internal reconciliation through consultation and dialogue.
The two sides agreed that on the basis of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of regional countries and through dialogue and consultation, they should promote the political and peaceful settlement of hotspot issues and other crises in the Arab region, such as in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Sudan, stressed their opposition to external interference, support for jointly cracking down on extremist terrorist organizations in their territories, supported the efforts of Lebanon, Somalia and Sudan to achieve security, stability, development and prosperity and counter-terrorism, and supported the efforts of the United Nations and the League of Arab States towards those ends. China stresses its support for Arab countries in resolving regional security issues through solidarity and cooperation. Algeria also expressed its appreciation for China’s efforts to achieve reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Algeria also appreciated China’s firm support for African countries in achieving national independence, following a development path suited to their own national conditions, and supporting Africa’s efforts in integration and joint self-improvement. It believes that China’s cooperation with Africa has always been at the forefront of international cooperation with the continent, and the results of China-Africa cooperation have improved the conditions for Africa’s economic and social development and brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides.
China appreciates the important role played by the Algerian side in supporting stability, development, security and peace in Africa, actively promoting the peaceful settlement of the crises in Libya, Mali, the Sahel and the Sahara region, and appreciates the fact that, as the coordinator of the African Union for preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremist activities, it has long been committed to combating this dangerous public enemy in Africa and has actively worked to share its successful experience in counter-terrorism.
The statement says that on the question of Western Sahara, the two sides stressed their support for efforts to reach a just and lasting solution within the framework of international law, in particular the relevant United Nations resolutions, so as to guarantee the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara under arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and for the efforts of the UN to that end. This constitutes a clear and significant statement of China’s support for the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the two sides called for resolving differences peacefully through dialogue and negotiation; called for abiding by universally recognised international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The security of one country should not be at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be valued and properly addressed. They oppose coercive measures such as unilateral sanctions, violating international law and harming the livelihood of relevant countries. Possible humanitarian impacts should be mitigated and every effort should be made to avoid escalation and to achieve a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
President Tebboune invited President Xi Jinping to visit Algeria, for which Xi expressed his gratitude, and the date of the visit will be agreed by both sides.
The following day, President Tebboune held separate meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji.
Li Qiang said that China and Algeria should expand cooperation in emerging areas such as information technology, digital economy, new energy vehicles, and space satellites and set an example for high-tech cooperation among developing countries. China supports Algeria in playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs and stands ready to work with Algeria to practice genuine multilateralism and oppose unilateralism, hegemony, and bullying to safeguard the common interests of China, Algeria, and other developing countries.
Zhao Leji congratulated Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2024-2025, and expressed a readiness to work with Algeria to build an open world economy and promote a more just and equitable global governance system.
Noting that Algeria and China have always firmly supported each other, Tebboune said that Algeria admires the great achievements made by the Chinese people through long-term hard work, and is willing to learn from China’s experience and deepen cooperation in various fields to bring better benefits to the two peoples.
In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency, coinciding with the start of Tebboune’s visit, Smail Debeche, President of the Algeria-China Friendship Association, said the “historical and political ties between the two nations serve as a foundation for strategic convergence” and expressed the hope that their bilateral relations can be a model for Africa and the Arab world.
Debeche, who is also a professor of political sciences and international relations at the University of Algiers 3, a Central Committee member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), a leader of the Algerian Committee for Solidarity with the People of Western Sahara, and an Advisory Group member of Friends of Socialist China, added that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Algeria have firmly supported each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns. The two countries have maintained a consistent stance on international and regional hotspot issues and engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, becoming strategic partners that walk hand in hand. Referring to the 60th anniversary of China’s dispatch of medical teams to Algeria, he added:
“At that time, Algeria emerged from a brutal war and urgently needed medical assistance. The Chinese medical teams brought hope and timely assistance. Chinese doctors treated patients and trained local doctors. Medical cooperation between the two countries has become an example of China-Algeria cooperation.”
The following articles originally appeared on the websites of the Xinhua News Agency and the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The Joint Statement was published by the Foreign Ministry in Chinese. It has been machine translated and edited by us for clarity and accuracy.
Xi holds talks with Algerian president
Xinhua, 18 July 2023
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday held talks with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People.
Noting that this year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria, Xi said 65 years ago, China and Algeria were brought together by the common cause of opposing imperialism and colonialism and seeking national independence and liberation.
Since then, the two countries have helped each other through thick and thin and rendered mutual understanding and support to each other, and the two countries have been true friends and natural partners in the pursuit of common development and national rejuvenation, Xi said.
“While China is advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, Algeria is pressing ahead with building a ‘new Algeria’. China will work with Algeria to carry forward the longstanding friendship and strive for bigger progress in the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership,” Xi said.
Xi underscored the importance of the two sides supporting each other on issues of core interests. He thanked Algeria for its unequivocal support for China’s just position on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and human rights, and reaffirmed that China firmly supports Algeria in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, supports Algeria in following a development path that fits its national reality, and opposes external interference in Algeria’s internal affairs.
The two sides need to work together on the implementation of important documents on Belt and Road and other cooperation, deepen cooperation in such traditional areas as infrastructure, petrochemicals, mining and agriculture, and expand cooperation in high-tech fields including aerospace, nuclear energy, ICT and renewable energy to nurture new growth drivers of cooperation, Xi said.
“China will continue to provide assistance to Algeria as its ability permits to support economic and social development in Algeria. China will import more quality products from Algeria and encourage and support Chinese businesses to explore cooperation in Algeria,” Xi said.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of China sending its first medical team to Algeria. Over the last six decades, 3,522 Chinese medical workers have been sent to Algeria, treating over 27 million people and delivering over 2.07 million babies. “This is a monument to the China-Algeria friendship,” Xi said.
China will work more closely with Algeria on healthcare, continue to provide government scholarships to Algeria, and promote friendly cooperation in media, tourism, youth, sports and think tanks to cement public support for the bilateral ties, according to Xi.
The Chinese president expressed China’s readiness to work with Algeria to accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the first China-Arab States Summit, advance the eight major initiatives of practical cooperation between China and Arab states, strengthen cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Dakar conference, with a view to building a community with a shared future in the new era between China and Arab states and between China and Africa.
He congratulated Algeria on being elected a non-permanent member on the U.N. Security Council for 2024-2025, and underlined China’s readiness to strengthen coordination and collaboration with Algeria at the U.N. and other multilateral fora to firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, practice true multilateralism, defend international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Tebboune said that China is the most important friend and partner of Algeria. He thanked China for giving Algeria valuable support of various sorts over the years, saying Algeria firmly supports China’s position on issues concerning China’s core interests such as Taiwan and Xinjiang.
Tebboune said Algeria supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China. He expressed readiness for Algeria to take an active part in Belt and Road cooperation and deepen the Algeria-China comprehensive strategic partnership, which will give a boost to economic and social development in Algeria.
He said Algeria welcomes Chinese business investment in Algeria and will provide a favorable business environment for such investment cooperation, adding that Algeria welcomes more Chinese tourists and stands ready to step up practical cooperation with China in various fields and deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
Tebboune noted the imbalance in the international landscape, thanked China for playing a key role in making the world more open and inclusive and the international order more just and equitable, and commended China’s constructive role in seeking fair solutions to regional hotspots such as Palestine and in promoting regional and global peace and stability.
Algeria stands ready for closer strategic coordination with China in international and regional affairs. Algeria thinks highly of the important role played by the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and FOCAC in advancing Arab-China and Africa-China relations. Algeria will work with China to take Arab-China and Africa-China cooperation to new heights and deliver more benefits to the Algerian and Chinese people, Tebboune said.
Following their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on agriculture, transportation, science and technology, telecommunications, sustainable urban development, trade, aerospace, inspection and quarantine, energy, education and sports.
The two sides issued a Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Prior to the talks, Xi held a welcoming ceremony for Tebboune at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Upon Tebboune’s arrival, a 21-gun salute was fired at the Tian’anmen Square, and honor guards lined up in salutation. As the two heads of state stepped onto the stand, the military band played the national anthems of China and Algeria. Tebboune reviewed the guard of honor of the People’s Liberation Army and watched the march-past in the company of Xi.
On the evening of the same day, Xi held a welcoming banquet for Tebboune at the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People.
Wang Yi was present at these events.
Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
Chinese Foreign Ministry, 18 July 2023
At the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, paid a state visit to the People’s Republic of China from July 17-21 2023.
President Xi Jinping and President Tebboune held talks in an atmosphere of cordial friendship and full mutual trust. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Chairman Zhao Leji separately met with President Tebboune.
The two heads of state recalled the profound traditional friendly relations between the two countries and expressed appreciation for the high level of coordination and cooperation between the two countries in various fields; Having explored ways to further develop relations in various fields for the benefit of the two peoples and friendships; Exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest; Expressing appreciation for the fruitful cooperation between the two countries at the bilateral level and in international forums; They pointed out that this visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and is of great significance.
The Algerian side congratulated the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, as well as the two parliamentary sessions of the People’s Republic of China, on their positive and important results, and especially congratulated President Xi Jinping on his re-election as President of the People’s Republic of China. The Algerian side appreciates China’s achievements in economic and social development in recent years under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, and wishes the Chinese people greater development and progress. China appreciates the tremendous achievements made by Algeria in the field of national development within the framework of the “New Algeria” vision put forward by President Tebboune and wishes the Algerian people an early realization of the goal of building a prosperous, rich and powerful country.
In view of the current state of development of bilateral relations and the desire to continue to strengthen them, the two heads of state decided to further strengthen political consultations at all levels, strengthen cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, technological, security and defense fields, and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, so as to expand common interests, strengthen mutual support and respond to various global crises and challenges.
The two sides stressed the importance of close political and security cooperation, and stood ready to increase exchanges and cooperation at all levels of government and legislative bodies to achieve the common interests of the two peoples; Appreciating the progress of economic and trade relations between the two countries, we are willing to deepen economic partnership, strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, strive to increase the scale of bilateral trade, facilitate the export of non-oil products from Algeria to China, and increase the scale of China’s substantial investment in Algeria against the background of the many preferential benefits created by Algeria’s new investment law. Cooperation [should be enhanced] in metallurgy, finance, digital economy, energy, mining, education, scientific research, Chinese teaching, journalism, taxation, customs, anti-corruption and other fields, better use made of trade and investment opportunities, exchanges and visits between the public and private sectors of the two countries should be strengthened, [and we should] work together to create a high-quality, suitable and attractive investment environment, promote economic and trade investment, consolidate partnership, and open up broader prospects for economic cooperation in various fields between the two countries; Strengthen scientific and academic cooperation, support Chinese and Algerian cultural institutions in jointly organizing a series of cultural activities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, continue to expand people-to-people exchanges, and consolidate friendly people-to-people relations between China and Arab countries in various fields such as culture, sports, tourism and journalism.
The two sides agreed to comprehensively strengthen the alignment of the development strategies of the two countries, give play to complementary advantages, deepen practical cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, and expressed satisfaction with the China-Algeria Cooperation Plan for Joint Construction of the Belt and Road, the Five-Year Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation and the Three-Year Cooperation Plan in Key Areas. The two sides signed and concluded a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding covering various areas of cooperation between the two sides.
The two sides appreciated each other’s mutual support and cooperation in the fight against the new coronavirus epidemic, and appreciated the partnership between the two countries in the field of vaccine production. The two heads of state would like to take the celebration of the 60th anniversary of China’s dispatch of the first foreign medical team to Algeria as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in the field of health between the two countries.
The two sides reaffirmed their willingness to maintain close communication and coordination in international and multilateral forums, continue to firmly support each other’s core interests, support each other in safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, make joint efforts to safeguard principles of international law such as non-interference in internal affairs and basic norms governing international relations, respect the principle of good-neighborliness and friendship, promote democracy in international relations, advocate peaceful settlement of conflicts through dialogue, and stress the need to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We should adhere to true multilateralism, consolidate the principles of solidarity, cooperation, fairness and justice in international relations, and safeguard the rights and interests of developing countries.
The Algerian side reiterated its adherence to the one-China principle, reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, opposes any form of “Taiwan independence”, supports China’s position on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet and human rights, and opposes attempts to politicize human rights issues or use them as a tool of pressure in international relations. China supports Algeria’s efforts to safeguard national security and stability and appreciates the development path it has chosen to achieve comprehensive economic revitalization.
The Algerian side once again informed the Chinese side of the measures taken by them to apply for BRICS membership and relevant considerations, especially in the context of the fundamental changes in the Algerian economy, and the Algerian side looks forward to closely following the trend of world economic development. China welcomes the positive willingness of Algeria to join the BRICS countries and supports its efforts to achieve this goal. The Algerian side appreciates China’s position and its expression of willingness to support Algeria at all stages of this process.
The Algerian side thanked China for supporting their candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the term 2024-2025. China congratulates Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. The two sides look forward to strengthening cooperation and consultation on issues on the agenda of the Security Council.
The two sides welcomed the first China-Arab States Summit held in Riyadh in December 2022 and expressed appreciation for the results achieved by the Summit under the current international situation. The two sides stressed their support for the initiative of “making every effort to build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era”, appreciated the important role played by the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in strengthening collective cooperation between China and the Arab countries, and were willing to work together to strengthen the construction of the forum.
China congratulates the Algerian side on successfully hosting the meeting of the Council of Arab States Summit in November 2022 and appreciates the positive role played by the Algerian side in realizing Arab unity, strengthening joint Arab action and addressing the current challenges facing Arab countries in various fields.
China supports Algeria in playing an important and constructive role in international and regional affairs, and appreciates the initiatives and ideas put forward by Algeria and its positive efforts to promote a just and lasting settlement of the Middle East issue. The two sides stressed that the situation in the Middle East is related to global security and stability, and promoting peace and prosperity in the region is in the common interests of the international community. The two sides stressed that the question of Palestine should be resolved in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, ensuring the right of the Palestinian people to establish a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, achieving security and stability in the Middle East on the basis of mutual respect and adherence to the principles of fairness and justice, and supporting Palestine as a full Member of the United Nations and related organizations. China appreciates President Tebboune’s positive efforts to achieve Palestinian unity and intra-Palestinian reconciliation, as well as the Algiers Declaration issued in that regard. The Algerian side appreciates President Xi Jinping’s many initiatives on the settlement of the Palestinian issue, especially the recent three-point proposal; it appreciates China’s long-standing firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights and supports all Palestinian factions in strengthening unity and achieving internal reconciliation through consultation and dialogue.
The two sides agreed that on the basis of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of regional countries and through dialogue and consultation, they should promote the political and peaceful settlement of hotspot issues and other crises in the Arab region, such as Syria, Libya, Yemen and Sudan, stressed their opposition to external interference, support jointly cracking down on extremist terrorist organizations in their territories, supported the efforts of Lebanon, Somalia and Sudan to achieve security, stability, development and prosperity and counter-terrorism, and supported the efforts of the United Nations and the League of Arab States to those ends. China stresses its support for Arab countries in resolving regional security issues through solidarity and cooperation.
With the active mediation of the Chinese side, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran reached an agreement in Beijing in March 2023, and signed a joint statement in Beijing in April, announcing the resumption of diplomatic relations, ushering in a new era of consensus, cooperation and peace in relations between the two countries. The Algerian side appreciates China’s efforts.
The two sides stressed the importance of China-Africa comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, supported African countries in achieving common development goals in accordance with the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, and eliminating crises that threaten peace, security and stability in Africa in accordance with the basic principles of the AU Charter, and committed to resolving African issues in African ways.
The Algerian side appreciates that China adheres to President Xi Jinping’s true and sincere policy concept towards Africa and the correct concept of righteousness and interests, is committed to continuously consolidating political mutual trust between China and Africa, deepening practical cooperation in various fields, and providing assistance to the best of its ability for peace and development in Africa. Appreciating China’s firm support for African countries in achieving national independence, following a development path suited to their own national conditions, and supporting Africa’s efforts in integration and joint self-improvement, it believes that China’s cooperation with Africa has always been at the forefront of international cooperation with Africa, and the results of China-Africa cooperation have improved the conditions for Africa’s economic and social development and brought tangible benefits to the people of both sides.
China appreciates the important role played by the Algerian side in supporting stability, development, security and peace in Africa, actively promoting the peaceful settlement of the crises in Libya, Mali, the Sahel and the Sahara region, and appreciates the fact that, as the coordinator of the African Union for preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremist activities, it has long been committed to combating this dangerous public enemy in Africa and has actively worked to share its successful experience in counter-terrorism. China appreciates the contribution made by the Algerian side to the realization of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, especially the implementation of basic development projects with African countries and with African attributes to achieve economic integration. Appreciating the efforts of the Algerian side to promote the construction of the free trade area to strengthen trade exchanges between African countries, [China supports] the active role played by the Algerian side in financing development projects in African countries, especially integrated projects in the economic, social, cultural, religious and scientific fields.
With regard to the question of Western Sahara, the two sides stressed their support for efforts to reach a just and lasting solution within the framework of international law, in particular the relevant United Nations resolutions, [so as] to guarantee the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara under arrangements consistent with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and for the efforts of the United Nations to that end.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the two sides called for resolving differences peacefully through dialogue and negotiation; called for abiding by universally recognized international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The security of one country should not be at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be valued and properly addressed. They oppose coercive measures such as unilateral sanctions, violating international law and harming the livelihood of relevant countries. Possible humanitarian impacts should be mitigated and every effort should be made to avoid escalation and to achieve a peaceful settlement of the crisis.
The Algerian side appreciates China’s efforts to promote international peace and development, and supports President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative and Global Security Initiative, which call on the international community to attach importance to development issues, revitalize the global partnership for development, and emphasize the need to uphold the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. The two sides are willing to jointly promote cooperation in key areas under the framework of the Global Development Initiative and accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The Algerian side appreciates President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative and stresses that different civilizations should coexist inclusively, and exchange and learn from each other. China appreciates the tremendous efforts made by Algeria to guarantee the right of developing countries to comprehensive and sustainable development.
At the end of the visit, Algerian President Tebboune expressed his heartfelt thanks and high appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping for his warm reception and hospitality during his visit and that of his accompanying delegation, and sincerely wished President Xi Jinping health and happiness. He also wished the friendly Chinese people continuous development and progress. President Tebboune invited President Xi Jinping to visit Algeria, for which President Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude, and the date of the visit will be agreed by both sides.
China, Algeria should cooperate more in emerging areas: premier
Xinhua, 19 July 2023
China and Algeria should expand cooperation in emerging areas such as information technology, digital economy, new energy vehicles, and space satellites and set an example for high-tech cooperation among developing countries, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday.
“China is willing to work with Algeria to push bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields to a new level under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state,” Li said in his meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is paying a state visit to China.
Li noted that China will continue to firmly support Algeria in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, taking a development path suited to its national conditions and opposing external interference in Algeria’s internal affairs.
He said the two sides should strengthen cooperation in infrastructure construction and other traditional areas to achieve win-win results.
He called on both sides to deepen people-to-people exchanges and cooperate more in health, education, and tourism to benefit the two peoples better.
China supports Algeria in playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs and stands ready to work with Algeria to practice genuine multilateralism and oppose unilateralism, hegemony, and bullying to safeguard the common interests of China, Algeria, and other developing countries, Li said.
Algeria supports the one-China principle and supports China in guarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, Tebboune said.
Algeria is willing to learn from China’s development experience, further deepen cooperation with China in investment, mining, architecture, and industry, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Tebboune said.
China’s top legislator meets Algerian president
Xinhua, 19 July 2023
China’s top legislator Zhao Leji on Wednesday met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Beijing.
Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that the China-Algeria friendship has a long history and solid political foundation. He said China’s NPC is willing to work with the Algerian People’s National Assembly and the Council of the Nation to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance exchanges and cooperation at all levels, and provide an improved legal guarantee for practical bilateral cooperation.
Zhao congratulated Algeria on its election as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for 2024-2025, and expressed a readiness to work with Algeria to build an open world economy and promote a more just and equitable global governance system.
Noting that Algeria and China have always firmly supported each other, Tebboune said that Algeria admires the great achievements made by the Chinese people through long-term hard work, and is willing to learn from China’s experience and deepen cooperation in various fields to bring better benefits to the two peoples.
Chinese doctors earn recognition, respect from Algerians
Xinhua, 19 July 2023
Flipping through an old photo album, Zhang Youming, 90, showed the journalist a picture of herself taken in the Algerian city of Saida, in which she embraces a local girl with big eyes. “This child told me she wanted me to be her mother,” she said.
In 1963, China sent its first medical team abroad to help post-war Algeria rebuild its medical and healthcare services. After gaining independence in 1962, Algeria found itself in a difficult situation: almost all French doctors had left, and the Algerian people lacked medical care and medications. The country had no choice but to seek help from the international community. China was the first country to respond to the call.
On April 6, 1963, the first Chinese medical team departed from Beijing. It took ten days for the team to finally reach the northwestern Algerian province of Saida, traveling by plane, train and by road through Moscow, Belgrade and Rabat. Zhang, a doctor from Xiangya Hospital in central China’s Hunan Province, was a member of the team.
During her two-and-a-half-year stay in Algeria, Zhang successfully performed thousands of surgeries and delivered many Algerian children. She once wrote in her journal, “As a member of the first medical team sent by new China to support Africa, I left my family behind to ease the pain of the people of a foreign country. My heart feels satisfied and happy, and I have sensed a different value of life.”
In late 1963, Zhang treated a pregnant woman suffering from hemorrhage. By successfully operating on her, Zhang saved her life and safely delivered her baby. The mother then named her child “Chinese” in Arabic. “She wanted the child to remember that it was the Chinese who saved their lives,” she recalled.
When she left Saida in November 1965, many patients took her hands and asked her to stay. Wiping away her tears, she bid them farewell, saying, “The next Chinese medical team will take care of you just as we did. Don’t worry!”
As of May 2023, China had sent 27 medical teams consisting of a total of 3,522 members to assist Algeria, treating approximately 27.41 million patients and delivering 2.08 million newborns. Today, 90 percent of obstetric surgeries in the province of Saida are performed by Chinese doctors, and even patients from neighboring provinces come to Saida to seek help.
“Chinese doctors are so important to Saida,” said Girali Feltu, head of the gynecology and obstetrics department at Saida Maternity Hospital, who has been working with Chinese doctors for 16 years.
The Chinese medical teams have not only saved lives and treated the wounded but also brought medical knowledge and techniques to this North African country, helping train a large number of local medical professionals.
“The Chinese medical teams are dedicated and highly cooperative. They share their experience and skills with Algerian doctors and students,” said Nadjet Akhnak, director of the Mother and Child Hospital in the northeastern Algerian province of Setif.
According to the National Health Commission of China, in the past 60 years, China has dispatched a total of 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries and regions worldwide, with 290 million patients treated. China’s selfless medical assistance and support have won huge appreciation of the recipient countries.
Interview: Expert says Algeria-China relations can be model for Africa, Arab world
Xinhua, 17 July 2023
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s visit to China from Monday to Friday is expected to strengthen bilateral relations, foster sustainable development and promote world peace, an expert has said.
In an interview with Xinhua, Smail Debeche, president of the Algeria-China Friendship Association, said the “historical and political ties between the two nations serve as a foundation for strategic convergence.” He hopes bilateral relations can be a model for Africa and the Arab world.
Debeche, also a professor of political sciences and international relations at the University of Algiers 3 and member of the Central Committee of the National Liberation Front of Algeria, said over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Algeria have firmly supported each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns.
The two countries have maintained a consistent stance on international and regional hotspot issues and engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, becoming strategic partners that walk hand in hand.
Tebboune’s visit “is expected to yield positive outcomes in terms of serving Algeria’s strategies for economic diversification and sustainable development,” he said.
The professor added that the president “seeks to enhance the existing strategic partnership in various key sectors, including agriculture, food security, technology, renewable energy, infrastructure development such as roads and ports, exploration of raw materials, higher education and scientific research.”
Debeche underlined the mutually beneficial outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative. “This initiative facilitates direct trade … ultimately aims to establish win-win partnerships and foster infrastructure development, enabling participating countries to transition from import dependency to becoming producers in collaboration with Chinese companies.”
For example, he argued that countries, including Algeria, have moved beyond being mere importers of Chinese products and started producing these goods through cooperation with China.
Debeche saw development as the primary means of addressing global challenges. He recognized China’s success in eradicating absolute poverty and expected the country’s Global Development Initiative to enable countries to overcome differences and achieve economic growth.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of China dispatching medical teams to Algeria. China has sent 27 batches of medical teams to the country, providing medical services for over 27 million patients and delivering approximately 2.07 million newborns. The teams have received high praise from the local government and people.
At that time, Algeria emerged from a brutal war and urgently needed medical assistance. The Chinese medical teams brought hope and timely assistance, Debeche said. Chinese doctors treated patients and trained local doctors. He said medical cooperation between the two countries has become an example of China-Algeria cooperation.
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