A welcome ceremony for Mr Triet and his delegation was held at Houari Boumedienne airport in the presence of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, speaker of the Algerian Parliament Abdelkader Bensalah and Speaker of the Algerian Lower Chamber Abdelaziz Ziari, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Do Trong Cuong, and other ranking other officials.

On the morning of April 14, Mr Triet received representatives from the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Association.

At the reception, he expressed his delight at the fine sentiments and warm welcome given by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to his delegation and emphasised that Vietnam and Algeria have many things in common. Fifty years ago, both countries were French colonies and they helped each other to gain national independence. Vietnam will forever be a faithful friend of the Algerian people and wants to continue strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation with Algeria, Mr Triet stressed.

The Chairman of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Association, Abdelkrim Hassani described Mr Triet’s visit as an indication of the close relationship between the two countries and said that the visit ushers in a new chapter in relations between Vietnam and Algeria.