President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son (right) receives Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to Viet Nam Azeddine Bechka (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the reception, Ambassador Azeddine Bechka affirmed that people-to-people diplomacy plays an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening friendship between Viet Nam and Algeria. Looking ahead to the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027, the Ambassador proposed that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Algerian Embassy in Viet Nam coordinate in organizing activities such as seminars, photo exhibitions, film screenings and painting competitions to promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Ambassador Azeddine Bechka expressed his hope that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations would work to promote cooperation between Batna Province (Algeria) and Dien Bien Province (Viet Nam), as well as between Skikda Province (Algeria) and Gia Lai Province (Viet Nam). The two sides could coordinate visits and working trips to these localities to explore practical cooperation opportunities, particularly in agriculture and trade.

In the fields of culture and education, the two sides could step up exchanges between younger generations by jointly organizing cultural days, exhibitions and programmes involving universities, schools and friendship associations. These activities would provide opportunities for young people in Viet Nam and Algeria to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s history, culture and traditions.

The Ambassador expressed his confidence that the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations would continue to promote its role in consolidating and developing the traditional friendship between the two countries. The Algerian Embassy in Viet Nam stands ready to coordinate in implementing initiatives that will bring the peoples of the two countries closer together.

Agreeing with Ambassador Azeddine Bechka’s proposals, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the positive values underpinning Viet Nam-Algeria friendship, particularly through exchange activities between younger generations.

According to President Phan Anh Son, the peoples of both countries have always cherished their shared history, traditions and friendship, which have been nurtured over generations. President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap are historical figures widely known in Algeria. These are valuable legacies that both sides have a responsibility to preserve and carry forward.

Referring to the ties forged through cooperation between Viet Nam and Algeria, President Phan Anh Son noted that many Vietnamese engineers and officials had spent extended periods working in Algeria. To this day, they retain the experience and deep affection they developed for the country, its people and its culture. He proposed that the Algerian Embassy in Viet Nam coordinate with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and the Viet Nam-Algeria Friendship Association to organize reunions, creating opportunities for those who have had close ties with Algeria to continue contributing to the cultivation of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

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