BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is scheduled to embark on a significant state visit to China from July 17 to 21, marking his first official trip to the country since assuming office. The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying on Thursday, heralding a new chapter in the enduring friendship between Algeria and China.
The visit holds great significance as it underscores the historical ties between the two nations. China, being the first non-Arab country to recognize Algeria’s provisional government (GPRA) in 1958, played a pivotal role in supporting Algeria’s quest for independence. In turn, Algeria made significant contributions during the People’s Republic of China’s restoration of its lawful rights at the United Nations, highlighting the deep-rooted solidarity and mutual support between the two countries.
The establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014 marked a turning point in Sino-Algerian relations, paving the way for extensive cooperation and fostering political mutual trust. Both nations have benefitted immensely from the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, a transformative global development project. This upcoming visit by President Tebboune to China will serve as a testament to the fruitful outcomes achieved through this collaborative initiative.
During his visit, President Tebboune is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Chinese leaders, exchanging views on a wide range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. The meetings will provide an invaluable platform to enhance strategic coordination and deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, and technology transfer. Furthermore, the visit will facilitate dialogue on crucial global challenges, including climate change, counter-terrorism efforts, and multilateral cooperation.
The Algerian President’s visit also presents an excellent opportunity to expand people-to-people exchanges, cultural understanding, and educational cooperation between the two nations. Strengthening ties in these areas will further solidify the foundation of the Sino-Algerian relationship, fostering lasting bonds of friendship and promoting mutual prosperity.
With Algeria’ strategic location as a gateway between Africa and Europe, and China’s global economic prowess and technological advancements, the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration is vast. President Tebboune’s visit to China serves as a catalyst for unlocking new avenues of cooperation, propelling both nations towards shared development and prosperity.
As President Tebboune prepares to embark on this historic journey, the people of Algeria and China eagerly anticipate the positive outcomes that will emerge from this visit. It is a testament to the enduring strength of bilateral ties and a reflection of the shared commitment to building a brighter future together.