Banquets celebrate National Day in Algeria and India

The Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria hosted a banquet cerebrating the 70th National Day in Alger on August 30, with the participation of representatives from Algeria’s socio-political and diplomatic bodies and organisations.

Ambassador Vu The Hiep, in his speech at the event, emphasised the significance of the event of September 2, 1945 , when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, opening a historical turning-point for Vietnam’s revolution.

Vietnam overcame numerous difficulties and challenges to reap great achievements in its national construction and development over the last 70 years, he stressed, affirming that the country continues its reform and multi-dimensional international integration.

The country is joining other ASEAN member nations in preparing for the formation of an ASEAN Community by the end of this year, while accelerating negotiations of more free trade agreements with its partners, Hiep said.

He also asserted the growing traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria, noting that President Nguyen Tan Dung’s recent visit to Algeria was an important event, contributing to heightening the bilateral relations.

On the occasion, Algerian friends watched documentaries on Vietnam’s land and people, toured exhibitions, and learnt about two-way trade with Vietnam.

Previously, a similar event was also held in New Delhi by the Vietnamese Embassy in India on August 28.

Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable successes in national defence and development and its reform (Doi moi) process, citing the 7-fold economic growth and the rapid reduction in the number of poor households to only 3 percent from 60 percent.

Vietnam is home to over 18,000 foreign direct investment projects worth over 250 billion USD, and attracts nearly 8 million foreign visitors every year, Thanh said.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam has established ties with almost all member nations of the United Nations, and has trade links with 210 countries and territories, including India.

Vietnam looks for a stronger cooperation with India in the future, Thanh said, adding that the country welcomes India’s “Act East” policy and hopes to become a crucial pillar in that policy.-VNA