China’s Xi hails aerospace cooperation with Algeria for launch of Algerian satellite

​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed cooperation Saturday between China and Algeria on the launch of an Algerian remote sensing satellite from Jiuquan in northwest China, according to Xinhua News.

Xi exchanged congratulations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune after the satellite was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March-2C carrier rocket.

Xi said the Algerian remote sensing satellite project, following the launch of the Algerian communication satellite, is another successful cooperation between China and Algeria in aerospace, and is an important manifestation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Algeria.

He said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Algeria ties and is willing to work with Tebboune to enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The rocket lifted off at 12.01 pm local time Saturday (0401GMT), placing the AlSat-3B satellite into its designated orbit.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the satellite will primarily be used for land planning, disaster prevention and mitigation.

The launch was part of Algeria’s remote sensing satellite system program, a joint project between China Great Wall Industry Corporation, a CASC subsidiary, and the Algerian Space Agency.