We Are One: When China Meets Africa

China Focus: What do you think of when you hear the word ‘China’? What was your first impression of China?

Chabane Lounakel: My first impression of China was that it is a friendly country. The friendship that exists between China and Algeria dates back to Algeria’s War of Independence period. Since that time, China has supported Algeria and the two countries have established exemplary relations in diplomacy, politics, economics, culture and other areas. Our country has a saying: One should continue to seek knowledge, even if such knowledge is as far away as China. Today, we will participate in two important events regarding infrastructure construction. In this respect, China is more advanced than the West. Therefore, China presents a positive development model to developing countries such as ours, particularly to us African countries, and we would like to become part of this dynamic initiative launched by China.

China Focus: Has the national radio station you work for engaged in cooperation with Chinese authorities?

Chabane Lounakel: For the moment we don’t have any concrete cooperation, but China is always present on Algerian radios. China is the second largest economy in the world and a member of the UN Security Council. Internationally, China holds its own opinions on the Middle East, Africa and major world problems. Therefore, in our radio programs we often talk about China and we have closely followed the execution of cooperation projects between the two countries. In Algeria there are 100,000 foreigners working, and most are Chinese citizens who work in the construction, highway and petrol industries. Therefore, China is often discussed on radio stations in Algeria.

China Focus: What do you think are similarities that exist between China and Algeria?

Chabane Lounakel: Both countries only gained independence after long periods of fighting and both are countries that enjoy a positive international image because they consistently find themselves on the side of justice. Both countries have fought to achieve a peaceful existence. There is no effortless peace in the world. At the same time, both countries seek to advance in areas of the economy, culture and technology. Algeria has already realized one of its most important projects in technology, the satellite project – a project that is very important to the country. Algeria is heading towards China’s level of progress, which requires a high-quality relationship to exist between the two countries.

China Focus: Did you enjoy cooperation and collaboration with Chinese technical committees and related departments?

Dr. Sahnine Chawki: There is a strong relationship that exists between Algeria and China. In my personal experience, I collaborated in the establishment of the first Algerian Alcom Sat telecommunications satellite framework, which was manufactured in partnership with China. It was launched from China last December. Therefore, in that time period I visited China many times. Additionally, I would say that communication between Chinese representatives and Algerian representatives has been smooth, and there has always been, I would say, a respectful collaboration between our two teams, which has allowed our work together to go quite well. So, somewhere, our mentalities are very close, and we still think in a way that is quite similar even though we come from very different cultures.

China Focus: How do you feel about working with Chinese colleagues?

Dr. Sahnine Chawki: I enjoy working with Chinese colleagues very much. These are human relations that have developed. Some Chinese colleagues have become close friends, and there is a sense of ease when it comes to approaching Chinese colleagues or other Chinese people in general. Therefore, I feel the relationship is very positive.

China Focus: You have been to many countries and also studied in Canada. With your life experiences in mind, how do you see the image of China, and do you think its image has changed a lot in the countries you have been to over the years?

Dr. Sahnine Chawki: You can find a Chinatown in almost any city. The Chinese presence is felt strongly, and in cultural terms in general you think of food and specifically Chinese food. There are aspects of Chinese culture which are very present in every world city. China has a global presence, I would say.

China Focus: Do you have particular expectations regarding technical cooperation or relations between China and Algeria in the future?

Dr. Sahnine Chawki: China is moving forward very quickly in terms of technological development. It is a world leader in its technological mastery and hosts a strong technological economy. Therefore, we have a lot of African-Chinese and Algerian-Chinese cooperation. We believe that China can serve as a catalyst for accelerating technological development in our country.

Interviewer: Zhong Lei

Editor:? Elena, Yang Ruoxi