Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem (R Front) talks with Li Changchun (L Front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, as he greets Li at the airport in Algiers, capital of Algeria, March 22, 2008. Li arrived in Algiers on March 22 for an official goodwill visit to Algeria, the first leg of his five-nation tour, which will also take him to Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Syria. (Xinhua Photo)

ALGIERS, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), arrived in Algiers, capital of Algeria, to kick off his five-nation tour on Saturday evening.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said in a written statement at the airport that he is happy to visit Algeria at the 50th anniversary of Sino-Algerian diplomatic ties.

He said Algeria is an important Islamic and Arabian country in Africa, and has played a special role in the international and regional affairs.

Hailing the traditional friendship, Li said the cooperation between China and Algeria in all fields had been furthered since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 50 years ago. He particularly mentioned the strategic cooperation relationship forged between the two sides in 2004 which upgraded the bilateral ties to a new level.

"I expect to exchange views with the Algerian leaders on strengthening the traditional friendship and economic and trade cooperation to realize the agreements of the Beijing summit of the China-Africa cooperation forum," Li said.

He also hoped to discuss international and regional issues of common concern with Algerian leaders.

During Li's stay in Algeria, he will meet with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and hold talks with Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem. Cooperative documents could be signed.

Algeria is the first leg of Li's five-nation tour which will also take him to Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Syria.

Source: Xinhua