Xi Jinping praised China–Algeria co-operation on Saturday following the successful launch of an Algerian remote sensing satellite from northwest China, calling it another milestone in bilateral space ties.

Xi exchanged congratulations with Abdelmadjid Tebboune after the satellite was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre aboard a Long March-2C carrier rocket, according to China’s Xinhua news agency.

Xi said the remote sensing satellite project, which follows the earlier launch of an Algerian communication satellite, represents another successful example of aerospace co-operation between China and Algeria and reflects the depth of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China–Algeria relations and is ready to work with Tebboune to further enrich that partnership.

The rocket lifted off at 12:01 pm local time on Saturday (0401 GMT), 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, the satellite will be used mainly for land planning, disaster prevention and mitigation.

The mission forms part of Algeria’s remote sensing satellite system programme, a joint project between China Great Wall Industry Corporation and the Algerian Space Agency.

Copied