Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal will next week become the first Algerian head of government to visit China since the north African country won independence in 1962, China's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.
Sellal will be in China from Tuesday to Friday for a visit to which "China and Algeria attach great importance," spokesman Hong Lei said.
President Xi Jinping will meet with Sellal, and Premier Li Keqiang will have talks with him. Both sides will exchange views on strengthening bilateral partnership as well as on international and regional issues, Hong said at a daily news briefing.
Following Beijing, Sellal will also visit Shanghai.
Hong hailed Algeria's contribution in helping China resume its legitimate seat at the United Nations in 1971.
China was a founding member of the United Nations. However, after the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), its seat was occupied by Taiwanese authorities backed by the United States.
The UN General Assembly eventually passed a resolution, sponsored by Algeria and 22 other countries, to restore the rights of the PRC and expel Taiwan.
Hong said China-Algeria relations have developed rapidly in recent years, witnessing increased political trust, fruitful practical cooperation and close coordination in international affairs.
China and Algeria announced a "comprehensive strategic partnership" in February 2014. Chinese top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng paid an official visit to Algeria in November.
