Algeria Shows Interest in China’s Expertise in Building Warships

Algerian Army chief Gen. Said Chanegriha visits the Naval Base in Shanghai. (Algerian Defense Ministry)
Algerian Army chief Gen. Said Chanegriha visits the Naval Base in Shanghai. (Algerian Defense Ministry)
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Algeria Shows Interest in China’s Expertise in Building Warships

Algerian Army chief Gen. Said Chanegriha visits the Naval Base in Shanghai. (Algerian Defense Ministry)
Algerian Army chief Gen. Said Chanegriha visits the Naval Base in Shanghai. (Algerian Defense Ministry)

Algerian Army chief Gen. Said Chanegriha showed interest in purchasing special equipment from the Chinese Navy a few days after he expressed the desire of the Algerian Air Force to benefit from Beijing’s expertise in drone manufacturing.

During his official visit to China that started a week ago, Chanegriha toured the Naval Base in Shanghai, where he was briefed on its tasks and the vessels and naval equipment, the Algerian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

He also toured the frigate Chan Ju docked at the same base and was briefed on Chinese naval technology used in building warships.

On Friday, he visited the Chinese company (CSTC), a subsidiary of the group (CSSC), which specializes in the manufacturing of vessels, especially military warships.

Chanegriha arrived in Shanghai on Thursday where he held a meeting with Brigadier General Shu Shi Jin, Political Commissioner of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Shanghai. According to the Ministry statement, they discussed bilateral military cooperation between their armies.

Chanegriha visited the Beijing headquarters of CATIC AFIC Global, a company specialized in the manufacturing of aircraft and aeronautical equipment.

The Defense Ministry said he was shown a presentation on the company’s products, including aircraft designed for search and rescue and firefighting, as well as helicopters and reconnaissance planes.

Chanegriha and his accompanying delegation held extensive discussions with company officials, delving into potential areas of bilateral cooperation in military industries.

The Algerian General also visited ELINC, a subsidiary of the CEC group, focused on the production of technologies, electronic systems, and cyber defense.

Earlier last week, Chanegriha visited the 72nd Unit of the Chinese Air Forces and the Falcon Brigade headquarters of the Special Military Police, where he and his accompanying delegation followed a military series of demonstration and exercises that highlight the combat skills and readiness of the Chinese forces in the face of any type of potential threat.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.