Premier Li Keqiang met Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal at the Great Hall of the People on April 29 and told the latter that the countries have enjoyed deep-rooted friendly ties for a long time.

Relations have all along adhered to the principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit and the bilateral relationship and cooperation have spearheaded China’s relations with developing nations, the Premier said.

He said in the new era, China expects to join the two countries’ development strategies, deepen cultural exchanges and coordination and cooperation on major international and regional affairs, to keep enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Premier said since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, and especially since the start of reform and opening up policies, China has built up abundant production capacity in fields such as industrial equipment and agricultural machinery.

He said China is willing to collaborate with Algeria for producing steel, cement, plate glass and construction material, and participate in Algeria’s infrastructure construction. China encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Algeria in areas including energy, mining and agriculture, he added.

The Premier also said he expects the two nations to forge cooperation in high-tech areas such as nuclear energy and aerospace.

He said the two governments should facilitate bilateral personnel exchanges and build a good environment for business cooperation.

Sellal said his country’s traditional friendship with China is very strong, and Algeria appreciates China’s long-term and precious assistance. Algeria is currently undergoing an economic transformation and welcomes Chinese companies to participate in local economic development to build up the partnership on the basis of mutual benefit.

He said the two sides should well implement their cooperation plan and collaborate in fields including production capacity, agriculture, energy, mining, petrochemicals, infrastructure construction, high-tech, renewable energy and tourism.

He said he expects China to help Algeria raise the capacity of industrial production and independent development and join hands to develop the African and international market.

The two leaders also exchanged ideas on international and regional issues of common concern.

Before the talks, Li hosted a welcome ceremony for Sellal at the square outside the Great Hall of the People. High-ranking officials including Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee Luo He attended the ceremony.

The two premiers also witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents in fields including investment, culture, education and nuclear energy.

Earlier in the day, Sellal laid wreaths at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at the Tian’anmen Square.