Algeria aspires to promote greater economic ties with Vietnam
VOV.VN - Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Boubazine Abdelhamid expressed his nation's wish to see Algeria further promote economic relations that can fulfil both nations’ potential in a recent media interview conducted on the first days of the Lunar New Year or Tet.
He highlighted the sound political relations between both sides, adding that the historical ties of friendship, solidarity, and co-operation between the two nation stems from Vietnamese support for Algeria during the resistance war for national liberation and independence, as well as from Algeria's support for Vietnam in its struggle for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and in the national reconstruction process.
Ambassador Abdelhamid assessed that trade exchange between the two countries remains at a modest level, with turnover between both sides reaching US$231 million in 2021, a decline of US$360 from last year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which the fall was seen mainly in Vietnamese exports.
In relation to investment, only the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) have a presence in Algeria. Ambassador Abdelhamid therefore stressed the need to further expand mutual economic and trade relations.
Vietnam became one of the first countries to officially recognise the Provisional Government of the Republic of Algeria back in 1958, before opening an embassy in the North African nation in 1962, shortly after it had gained independence.
Moving forward, Vietnam and Algeria will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year, thereby offering a great opportunity to secure co-operation agreements as a contribution to strengthening and developing bilateral relations, Ambassador Abdelhamid went on to state.
Regarding co-operation priorities ahead in 2022, the Algerian diplomat said that the 12th meeting of the Algeria - Vietnam Cooperation Committee and the Algerian Culture Week will be held in Vietnam.
Discussing Vietnamese socio-economic achievements in recent years, Ambassador Abdelhamid highly appreciated the wise vision of Vietnamese leaders when making the right decisions, thereby helping the country to make great strides and become a prime example of success.
Sharing his feelings about Vietnamese traditional New Year Festival (Tet), he said that he experienced the first Tet in Vietnam and was strongly impressed by the diversity of flowers in the festival.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, he extended best wishes to Vietnamese people, voicing his hope that both nations will reap new successes in their partnership across multiple fields.