Algiers (VNA) – The Embassy and Defence Attaché Office of Vietnam in Algeria held a ceremony in Algiers on December 10 to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All People’s Defence Festival (December 22, 1989 - 2024).
The event was attended by nearly 200 guests, including representatives from Algeria’s political parties and ministries, ambassadors, defence attachés from nations, members of the Vietnamese expatriate community in Algeria, and employees of the oil and gas joint venture of Groupement Bir Seba (GBRS).
In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh emphasised the pioneering and central role of the VPA in the nation’s past struggle for independence and reunification, and its current process of national construction and defence. He highlighted the army’s contributions to peacekeeping, disaster relief, and international cooperation, which reflect Vietnam’s aspirations for a world of peace and shared prosperity.
The Ambassador underlined the characteristics of Vietnam’s national defence, which is based on all people, peaceful, and self-defence and to actively, proactively, resolutely and perseveringly prevent risks of war. He also reaffirmed the country’s “Four No’s” defence policy – not participating in military alliances, not affiliating with one country to oppose another, not allowing foreign countries to establish military bases or use Vietnamese territory to oppose other countries, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.
Vietnam’s Defence Attaché to Algeria Colonel Nguyen Hoang Long reviewed the significant achievements of the VPA. He noted that in the new era, the army continues to uphold its heroic traditions and enhance its capabilities and readiness to fulfill its duties.
Long stated that December 22 was designated as the day of the All People’s Defence Festival to show the tradition of all people engaging in the fight against enemies to safeguard the country and also to affirm the Communist Party of Vietnam’s viewpoint that all people take part in national construction and defence, with the people’s armed forces serving as the core.
He went on to say that the festival is an opportunity to honour Vietnam’s national traditions, the noble image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers," and to educate the public on patriotism and socialist ideals.
Long highlighted that the establishment of the Vietnam Defence Attaché Office in Algeria 20 years ago has been a crucial link in maintaining and developing the historical and friendly relationship between Vietnam and Algeria and ties between the Vietnam People’s Army and the Algerian National People’s Army in particular. Recent high-level exchanges and training cooperation between the two armies have yielded significant results and promise further growth in the years to come, he added.
On this occasion, the Embassy and Defence Attaché Office of Vienam in Algeria organised a screening of a film introducing to international friends the formation and development of the VPA as well as displaying photos capturing historical milestones in fighting to protect the country in the past, building the country, and expanding international cooperation at present./.
