Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday in a telephone conversation with his Algerian counterpart, Sabri Bogadom, that the advancement of traditional friendship between China and Algeria is a common duty and serves the interests of the two peoples.

Wang explained that the traditional Sino-Algerian friendship shows the sincerity and dedication of the leaders of the two countries and becomes stronger over time, adding that the friendship was strengthened by the two countries working together and helping each other to overcome the difficulties of fighting COVID-19.

Noting that Algeria is the first Arab country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Wang explained that his country is ready to work with the Algerian side to formulate a new five-year plan for comprehensive strategic cooperation through consultation and coordinated efforts to advance cooperation in tackling the disease and resume production of major projects in an appropriate manner, and continue to deepen construction The joint of the Belt and Road initiative, to create a new cornerstone for friendly cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Boucadoum said that the two sides should move forward with and appreciate the traditional friendship between Algeria and China, and continue to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between them.

He explained that Algeria, which is one of the first countries to sign the cooperation agreement in the Belt and Road Initiative with China, it intends to support the establishment of major cooperation projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and looks forward to China playing an important role in establishing more major projects in Algeria.

He added that his country thanks China for providing the necessary materials to combat COVID-19, and is ready to work with China to eradicate the disease at an early date.

The two sides also exchanged views on other issues of common concern. Bogadom expressed his deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Libya, and his aspiration for the Chinese side to play a constructive role in this regard. Wang elaborated on China’s consistent stance of adhering to the political settlement of the issue.