China and Algeria Agree to Enhance Security and Defense Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping stated today, during a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, that "China and Algeria will deepen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, petrochemicals, minerals, and agriculture." The Xinhua news agency reported, quoting a joint statement, that "China and Algeria have agreed to strengthen cooperation in politics, security, and national defense." According to the statement, China welcomed Algeria's efforts to join the BRICS group, stating that it "supports Algeria's efforts to achieve this goal." Xi described Algeria as a natural partner and stated that both sides would also cooperate in fields such as space and nuclear and renewable energy, as well as exploring new avenues for cooperation. In turn, Tebboune said that "Algeria is ready to work closely with China regarding strategic cooperation in international and regional affairs." Algerian President Tebboune arrived in Beijing yesterday for a scheduled two-day visit, invited by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.