David Cameron arrives for Algeria talks
David Cameron with Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal
David Cameron has landed in Algeria for the first visit by a British prime minister to the north African country since it became independent in 1962.
He said his aim was "very much about helping this neighbourhood to help itself", amid concerns raised over UK military going to neighbouring Mali.
The prime minister will discuss the threat of terrorism in a meeting with his Algerian counterpart.
This follows the recent siege at the In Amenas gas plant in the Sahara.
Mr Cameron said he would be announcing a security partnership with Algeria, as well as co-operation on trade, investment and education.
Wreath
The UK is to send 330 military personnel to Mali and west Africa to support French forces battling Islamist militants. Critics have warned of "mission creep".
The deployment will include as many as 40 military advisers in Mali and 200 British soldiers in neighbouring African countries, to help train the Malian army.
French-led forces are continuing their offensive against militants who seized northern Mali last year.
BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the prime minister was keen to use this trip to address fears that he is risking a protracted military engagement in north Africa.
He wanted to stress the situation in Mali would not become "another Afghanistan or even another Libya", our correspondent, who is travelling with the UK government entourage, added.
Mr Cameron will lay a wreath as a mark of respect to the hostages who died in the In Amenas siege and will hold talks with the Algerian Prime minister and president.
Some 37 foreigners and at least 10 Algerians died after militants seized workers at the gas plant earlier this month.
