Chinese parliamentary delegation visits Algeria

The deputy chairman of the permanent committee of the national council of the Chinese people's representatives arrived in Algiers on Thursday at the invitation of the Algerian national assembly.

In an arrival statement to reporters at Huwari Bu Median international airport, the Chinese official said his visit to Algeria aims at strengthening acquaintance, friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries. He said the current year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria.

Meanwhile, customs statistics for the first eight months of 1998 showed a tangible decrease in the Algerian trade balance surplus, which reached US $1.537 billion against US $3.72 billion in 1997.

These indicators revealed a slowing in trade movement especially among the country's exports, as well as the recession recorded since the end of 1997 in oil prices.