ALGIERS — Algeria received a new batch of medical donation from China on April 15, the second of its kind since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the North African nation.

A plane loaded with the donation landed in Algiers International Airport and was welcomed by Algeria's Vice-Minister for Pharmaceutical Industry Lotfi Djamel Benbahmed and Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Li Lianhe.

Benbahmed told reporters that the donation is composed of prevention equipment, including medical masks, test devices, and medical protective outfits.

He said the donation "highlights how deep and historic are the bilateral relations between Algeria and China."

For his part, Li said that "Algeria and China are bound by strong and excellent relations."

The donation shows that the people and government of China are still grateful for Algeria, which was among the first countries to rush medical help to China at the very beginning of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the Chinese envoy said.

In early February, Algeria sent medical donation to help China combat the coronavirus.

Last month, China sent the first batch of medical donation to Algeria, including surgical masks, N95 masks, medical protective outfits, face shields, as well as respirators for intensive care use.