Cuban President Raúl Castro began on Saturday an official visit to Algeria

In Algeria, Raul Castro will hold official talks with President Bouteflika and other Algerian government officials. Both parties will be discussing ways to boost bilateral cooperation, which has grown steadily over the past few years.

The visit is seen as evidence of the historic ties of friendship and cooperation between Cuba and Algeria, a relationship based on mutual respect and solidarity. Algeria became an independent state in 1962. Since then, it has maintained constant diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro made seven trips to Algeria; the last one in 2001.

(ACN)