VN, Algeria celebrate 55th year of diplomatic ties

Addressing the ceremony, Boumedienne Guennad from Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted the warm sentiments that people of both countries have for each other as well as achievements in bilateral partnership over the past 55 years.

He expressed his belief that bilateral ties will thrive in the future, especially in diplomacy and trade.

Statistics showed that two-way trade between Vietnam and Algeria has grown well every year, reaching about US$270 million in 2016 and is likely to hit US$ 300 million in 2017.

In turn, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Pham Quoc Tru said that Viet Nam and Algeria have enjoyed sound relations even before they set up diplomatic relations in 1962.

The two countries have supported each other not only in their past struggle against invaders, but also in national development.

Viet Nam was among the first countries to recognise the provisional government of Algeria in 1958. Only a month after the two sides set up diplomatic relations, Viet Nam opened its embassy in the country, said the diplomat.

He also noted that the two countries have signed about 30 bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields, while the Viet Nam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee meets every two years, boosting bilateral partnership.

At the event, a special publication on Viet Nam-Algeria relations was introduced, along with the screening of “Fleur de Lotus”, a film by an Algerian filmmaker on a romance between an Algerian soldier and a Vietnamese woman during the war in Viet Nam.

A conference on cooperation between the two countries was also held, together with an exhibition showcasing photos and publications on diplomatic ties between the two countries, and a banquet hosted by the embassy.

Statistics showed that two-way trade between Viet Nam and Algeria has grown well each year, reaching about US$270 million in 2016 and is likely to hit US$300 million in 2017.

The two sides are working together to raise the figure to US$1 billion in 2020. Algeria is currently the third largest partner of Viet Nam in Africa.

                                                                                                                                        By Hoang Ha