ALGIERS, Feb. 3 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived here from Gabon Tuesday afternoon to start a state visit, his first trip to Algeria since he took office.

    Upon arrival, Hu said in a written statement that since China and Algeria established diplomatic ties 45 years ago, the traditional friendship between the two nations have been consolidated in a continuous way, witnessed by friendly cooperation in all sectors being increasingly expanded.

    To further consolidate and deepen the bilateral cooperative relations of friendship conforms to the common aspiration and mutual interests of the two peoples, which is conducive to world peace, stability and development, Hu said.

    Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika greeted Hu with a welcoming ceremony at the airport.

    Later Tuesday, Hu is expected to hold talks with President Bouteflika on bilateral relations and other issues of common concern.

    Sources said the two countries may sign cooperation accords in economic, technological and energy sectors.

    Algeria is the last leg of the Chinese president's four-nation tour, which had taken him to France, Egypt and Gabon. He is scheduled to leave here for Beijing on Wednesday. Enditem