Algeria's Tebboune commends Sino-Algerian ties

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
22 Jul 2023 00:14

In the interview, President Tebboune expressed his country's aspirations to join and thanked China for its support.

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune speaks during a meeting at El Mouradia Palace in Algiers on March 30, 2022 (AP)

In an interview with Chinese Central Television (CCTV), Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his country's aspiration to join the BRICS group, citing the economic opportunities it would offer and its potential to provide alternative solutions to those offered by international bodies like the IMF and World Bank.

Tebboune also praised China as a significant and friendly country that has been supportive of Algeria's development since independence, and he emphasized that the relations between the two countries is based upon mutual respect.

The Algerian President commended China as a partner that does not impose political dictates or control, fostering an environment conducive to cooperation between nations. He emphasized Algeria's commitment to engaging in joint projects with China, spanning various sectors, including railways and mines, and expressed enthusiasm for exploring cooperation in space-related initiatives.

Tebboune highlighted Algeria's recent enactment of a new investment law, which aims to attract investors from around the world, further enhancing economic prospects for the country. He specifically mentioned the potential for an Algerian-Chinese partnership in space and underscored Algeria's emergence as a major player in the field of medicine within Africa and the Mediterranean.

Regarding Algeria's role in the African continent, Tebboune emphasized its stature as a significant nation and proposed the possibility of Algeria serving as a mediator between China and other African countries. He commended China's influential voice on the continent and its positive relations with various Arab and African nations.

Turning his attention to the issue of Palestine, Tebboune conveyed Algeria's active support for Palestine to achieve full-fledged membership in the United Nations. He stressed the importance of unity as a source of strength for Palestine in its pursuit of statehood.

As the interview concluded, President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to cooperation with China and its determination to play a pivotal role in fostering diplomatic relations and regional partnerships.

Tebboune began a five-day state visit to China on Monday, his first since assuming the presidency in late 2019.

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged stronger ties with Algeria in a meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as Beijing looks to diversify its energy supply.

Algeria, Africa's largest natural gas exporter, has sought to join the BRICS economic group that includes Russia and China, and that positions itself as an alternative to Western hegemony.

"China is ready to work with Algeria to strengthen strategic communications, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and ensure the steady and long-term development of China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership," Xi told Tebboune on Tuesday, as the two met at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.

Tebboune thanked Xi for China's support in Algeria's bid to join BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, saying, "China is our most important friend and will help us achieve national development."