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Chinese president meets Algerian counterpart

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-07 19:24

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao met here on Thursday with President of Algeria Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is here to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and other activities.

Hu said he was glad to meet President Bouteflika again and extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese government and people. Hu also thanked Algeria for its support to the Beijing Olympic Games.

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The Algerian people showed their affection toward the Chinese people after a massive earthquake hit Sichuan of China in May, with President Bouteflika immediately sending a condolence message and the Algerian government offering relief materials, Hu recalled.

"I would like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude for you, Mr. President, and the Algerian government and people," said the Chinese president.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-Algerian diplomatic relations, and China is ready to work with Algeria to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and give an all-round push to the strategic cooperation between the two sides, said Hu.

President Bouteflika said he was very glad that he and Hu could share the great experience of the Beijing Olympics, adding that he has headed the Algerian delegation to Beijing to convey a message of friendship and solidarity.

The friendly relationship between China and Algeria has a long history, and has never gone astray ever since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, said Bouteflika.

He said Algeria welcomes more investment from Chinese businesses and hopes to see bilateral relations reach a new high.