BY: Hana Saada
Algiers, October 10, 2023 – The Algerian People’s National Assembly took a momentous step towards enhancing diplomatic ties with Vietnam on Monday as Monder Bouden, the Vice Speaker for External Relations, presided over the installation ceremony of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Group. This momentous event was graced by the presence of Tran Quoc Khanh, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria, and Miloud Benmakhlouf, the Director of Central and Eastern Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The formation of the Friendship Group stands as a symbol of the commitment to fortify the multifaceted relationship between Algeria and Vietnam, with a particular emphasis on strengthening parliamentary cooperation. In his address during the ceremony, Monder Bouden highlighted the historical significance of this endeavor, stating, “The establishment of this friendship group is considered the fruit of the renewal of friendship between the two countries which dates back to before independence, the Republic of Vietnam having been one of the first non-Arab countries to recognize the Algerian provisional government in 1958.” He further reiterated Algeria’s earnest desire to elevate political relations with Vietnam to a broader and deeper level across all sectors.
Monder Bouden also expressed optimism that the formation of this parliamentary friendship group will catalyze the implementation of cooperation agreements previously inked between the legislative bodies of the two nations. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of coordinating their efforts and consultations on various international platforms.
Tran Quoc Khanh, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria, echoed these sentiments, noting that the establishment of the Friendship Group coincided with preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee in Hanoi, scheduled from October 16 to 18. This key diplomatic gathering is poised to further solidify bilateral relations between Algeria and Vietnam.
The diplomat went on to reveal that an Algerian delegation, headed by the Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry and Production, will be visiting Vietnam during this time, accompanied by numerous CEOs of prominent Algerian companies. Their mission is to promote bilateral relations, with a primary focus on economic and trade cooperation.
The installation of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Group not only symbolizes the historic ties between the two nations but also signifies their dedication to advancing their relationship in the contemporary world.
