Algeria-China relations have been progressing smoothly and the all-round cooperation between the two countries still has great potentials, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci said here Saturday.

Speaking at a party to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Algeria and China, Medelci said the two countries have withstood hardship together, strengthened political mutual trust and achieved remarkable results in economic and trade cooperation.

He said the Algerian people have always been grateful to the Chinese government and people for their support.

Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Liu Yuhe said the two countries have enjoyed close political relations since they forged diplomatic relations 50 years ago.

The past five decades has seen closer political ties, frequent personnel exchanges and further deepening of bilateral cooperation in such fields as trade, health care, education and scientific research, he added.

China is always one of the Algeria's most important partners, Liu said, adding that despite the ever-changing world situations, the two governments and peoples have always supported each other on the basis of sincerity and equality.

Medelci and Liu also attended a ceremony for the issuing of commemorative stamps marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

China and Algeria established diplomatic relations on Dec. 20, 1958.