China on Sunday expressed its deep condolences after the passing of former Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian described the deceased president as an outstanding statesman and leader of the national liberation movement in Algeria, the Arab world and Africa, as well as an old friend of the Chinese people.

The spokesperson also noted the contributions of Bouteflika, then Algeria's foreign minister, to the restoration of China's legal seat in the United Nations 50 years ago, and his efforts to promote the development of China-Algeria relations during his tenure as president of Algeria.

China is willing to continue to work with Algeria to advance the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.