ALGIERS -- Algerian leaders and legislators have sent congratulatory messages to the Chinese embassy over the successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Hailing the Beijing Games as "unique" and having "unusual ingenuity," Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia said the Beijing Olympics was perfect because it was full of traditional Chinese culture and was characterized by high technology as well.

The hosting of an international event like the Beijing Olympics by China, a developing country, was not only the pride of the Chinese people, but has also greatly encouraged the "brotherly" Algerian people and all people in the Third World, said Ouyahia.

Algeria would firmly consolidate and further develop bilateral relations with China, he added.

Leaders of Algeria's largest ruling party, the National Liberation Front, and the third largest ruling party, the Movement for a Peaceful Society, also extended congratulations over the success of the Beijing Olympics and the achievements of the Chinese athletes at the Games.

The Beijing Olympics showcased the quintessence of Chinese civilization and China's achievements in various fields and showcased the love of the Chinese people for friendship, solidarity, peace, progress and justice, they said.

Praising the Beijing Olympics as "unique," Algerian Olympic Committee Chairman Mustapha Berraf said it would be very hard for future host countries to surpass the success of the 2008 Games.

The Chinese people made tremendous efforts to successfully host the Beijing Games, he said, expressing his belief that the Beijing Paralympic Games, to be held from September 6-17, would be as excellent as the Beijing Olympics.

Algeria sent 70 athletes to the Beijing Games, its largest Olympic contingent since the country declared independence from France in 1962, to compete in 13 events.