ALGIERS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Algerian official APS news agency on Wednesday reported Ramtane Lamamra has been appointed new foreign minister to replace Abdelkader Messahel.

Following a ceremony at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, Lamamra, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, told reporters that he is tasked by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika "to transmit to foreign partners and to the international community the aspirations of the Algerian people."

"We are required to approach the current situation with caution, vigilance, and commitment to be at the service of the nation," he added.

The appointment of Lamamra comes as part of the cabinet reshuffle that President Bouteflika announced a couple of days ago.

Lamamra also occupies the post of Deputy Prime Minister, while Noureddine Bedoui was appointed Prime Minister in replacement of Ahmed Ouyahia.