Better understanding and respect for other civilizations is the key to improving a world full of scepticism and violence, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said Monday.

"Today's world is plagued by unjustness and power politics," he said during a speech to 350 students at prestigious Peking University. "More communication between civilizations is essential to easing tension and promoting world peace."

Bouteflika said China and Arab nations have enduring friendship, and the way that the two ancient civilizations get along with each other can be a model for other civilizations.

He reminded students that they should bear in mind the concept of "multiculturalism," and have more exchanges with their counterparts overseas, as "youth are the future of the world."

On the popular idea in some Western countries that there exist clashes of civilizations, Bouteflika expressed his deep concern that such an idea might result in more conflicts. "Over emphasis (of the idea) may further isolate some people and push them to extremism and terrorism," he said.

Bouteflika refuted the idea that terrorism is somehow associated with Muslims. "As an Arab country, Algeria has also suffered a lot from terrorism," he said, adding that terrorism is not confined to a certain religion, race or region.

During the 30-minute speech, the president said he is optimistic about the future of relations between China and the Arab world, including relations between China and Algeria.

He said the friendship between the two countries could be traced back to the 1950s. "Algerian people will not forget that China was the first Asian country to recognize the new Algeria in 1958."

Bouteflika said Algeria would like to have a better relationship with China, a country that plays an increasingly important role in international affairs.

The statement on developing strategic co-operative relations between Algeria and China signed on Monday elevated the bilateral relationship to a higher level, and would benefit people in both countries, he noted.

Further more, Bouteflika said Algeria, an African country, is willing to promote a partnership between Arab countries and Africa based on friendship and mutual respect.

Poverty, illiteracy and infectious diseases are considered the three major problems for Africa, according to the president. "To bring a decent life to all African people is the priority for the entire continent," he said.

Bouteflika considered the just-concluded China-Africa forum and the China-Arab Co-operation Forum in June as important platforms for communication among civilizations and further co-operation.

Before his speech, Bouteflika received an honorary doctorate degree from Peking University for his reputation as an outstanding politician and a friend of China.

Students gave a warm response to the president's speech. Xu Shuying, a freshman from the University's International Studies Department, said the speech gave her a clearer picture of today's world and what should be done in the future.

"I agree that many conflicts today are results of misunderstandings among civilizations," she said, adding that as a student who had just entered university, she was very happy to have the chance to listen to a speech made by a president.