China and Algeria marked a major success with the launch of Alcomsat-1, Algeria's first communications satellite. The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China, early Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate this achievement. Xi said, "The project of Alcomsat-1 ... is an important manifestation of the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership" and noted it sets a precedent in aerospace cooperation between China and Arab countries. He added the satellite will help Algeria's economic development and social progress. Xi also mentioned the year 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Algeria. "Beijing is willing to work with Algeria to strengthen exchanges and cooperation," he said. Algerian President Bouteflika called the launch "a remarkable achievement" that reflects the deep traditional friendship between the two nations. He said Algeria is eager "to work with China to jointly promote cooperation in various fields to achieve more results."