Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika exchanged messages of congratulation Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their two countries.

"There exists a deep traditional friendship between China and Algeria," said Hu, "The two countries have withstood the test of ever-changing world situations since they forged diplomatic relations 50 years ago, and seen their ties developing soundly and smoothly ever since."

The two nations have treated each other equally and shown mutual trust in the political field, cooperated for mutual economic benefit and common development, displayed mutual respect and learned from each other in cultural exchanges, as well as coordinated and cooperated in regional and international affairs, Hu said.

The Chinese people will never forget the important contribution made by Algeria in restoring China's lawful seat at the United Nations, he added.

Hu and Bouteflika exchanged visits as they entered the 21st century and agreed to develop the strategic cooperative relation between their two countries and promote bilateral ties to a new height.

China-Algeria ties have become an example for inter-state relations and South-South cooperation, Hu said.

Strengthening their strategic cooperative relations conforms to the interests and aspirations of the two peoples, and will be conducive to world peace and development, as well as the development of Sino-Arab ties and the Sino-African new strategic partnership.

China will join hands with the Algerian side to cement and expand long-term, strategic bilateral cooperation, he pledged.

For his part, President Bouteflika said the establishment of diplomatic ties was an important event in the development of friendly relations between the two peoples. Algerians will never forget the Chinese people's support for their fight for freedom and dignity, he added.

The Algerian side has been working with China to further boost the all-around development of ties and consolidate their strategic cooperative relations.

Algeria will continue to strengthen consultation and dialogue with China to further boost the strategic partnership between the two countries, Bouteflika said.