ALGIERS, Dec. 22 -- China and Algeria on Saturday agreed to speed up the work of preparation for promoting bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during talks with his Algerian counterpart Ramtane Lamamra, said China and Algeria have always understood each other, trusted each other, and supported each other since they established diplomatic relations 55 years ago.

The two countries are real good friends, good brothers and good partners, Wang said.

The China-Algeria friendship is a fruit of meticulous cultivation by leaders of the two countries and an outcome of the two peoples' joint efforts, Wang said.

The friendship has weathered historical vicissitude and will embrace broader and broader prospects, he said.

Lamamra said the Algerian side highly appreciates China for upholding justice and adhering to principles in international affairs, and highly comments on China's policies toward Arab and African nations, he said.

Lamamra said his country aspires to establish comprehensive and unique strategic partnership with China.

Wang and Lamamra agreed that the foreign ministries of the two countries will actively promote the work of preparation and speed up the drafting of relevant documents in striving to make them signed by the heads of state of the two countries and have them take effect at an early date, so as to elevate bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership in accordance with an earlier consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries.

The two sides also reiterated their stance to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns.

Besides agreeing to deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as trade and infrastructure construction, the two sides will strive to boost cooperation in new fields including spaceflight, energy, high-tech and defense.

They also agreed to expand humanistic exchanges and encourage the young generation to inherit the China-Algeria friendship and create a brighter future for bilateral ties.

Later in the day, the two top diplomats jointly attended a reception to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria and unveiled a new stamp to mark the anniversary.