Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad on Dec 28.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading, Premier Li said. In the face of this common challenge of mankind, no one can stand idly by, he added, saying nothing is more important than securing people's health and safety.

He also said all countries should strive together in good faith to lay a foundation for meeting these challenges, noting the vaccine is the "golden key" in the fight against the pandemic.

China is willing to strengthen cooperation with other countries in vaccine development, and will make joint efforts with them to promote the accessibility and affordability of the vaccine around the world, making contributions to protecting people's lives and health, he added.

He emphasized China attaches great importance to the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership with Algeria, and is willing to work with Algeria to enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation and advance the construction of planned large projects in order to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results for the benefit of the two peoples.

Djerad said China is one of Algeria's greatest friends, and the Algerian side is highly satisfied with the thriving relationship between the two nations.

The Algerian side is ready to work with China on the second five-year plan for comprehensive cooperation, to promote collaboration in major projects and push ahead further development of the comprehensive strategic partnership, Djerad said.

He expressed gratitude for China's support and assistance in Algeria's fight against the epidemic, adding his country is willing to strengthen cooperation on COVID-19 vaccines.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended the meeting.