Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Cherif Chikhi hosted a banquet in Hanoi on November 4 to mark the 60th anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Day (November 1, 1954-2014).

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung extended greetings to the Algerian people on the occasion.

Reviewing the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries over the past years, the minister said despite geographical distance, Vietnam and Algeria have enjoyed a time-honoured friendship and solidarity, fostered by their mutual support and assistance during the past struggle for independence as well as the current national construction.

Bilateral ties have grown strongly in recent years thanks to the firm political foundation, which has fueled their trade and investment partnership, he said.

Last year, two-way trade reached 284 million USD, a rise of 36 percent against 2012, he noted, adding that the Bir Seba oil and gas joint venture between the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) and its Algerian partner, is expected to become operational next year with a capacity of 20,000 barrels per year.

Both Ambassador Cherif Chikhi and Minister Dung expressed their belief on the future development of the friendship and multi-faced ties between the two countries for the interests of both peoples and for peace and stability in the region and the world.-VNA