Algiers (VNA) – As part of his official visit to Algeria, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held working sessions on November 20 with several Algerian ministers and leaders of major economic groups and organisations of the African nation to advance the implementation of the newly established Vietnam–Algeria Strategic Partnership.
At a meeting with Algerian Minister of State for Energy and Mines Mohamed Arkab, PM Chinh noted that during his talks and meetings with host leaders, the two sides shared the view that there are no limits to bilateral cooperation, especially in the economic sphere. He proposed expanding oil exploration alongside deeper collaboration in petrochemicals and petroleum processing to increase resources value. He also called for stronger partnerships in Vietnam’s key sectors including solar and wind energy, machinery and electrical equipment, and smart grid development.
Applauding the strong performance of the oil exploration project jointly carried out by the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and Algeria’s national oil company Sonatrach, PM Chinh urged the establishment of a working group, a joint venture, and cooperation mechanisms to invest in Algeria, focusing on sectors and projects agreed upon by the two PMs, including expanding from onshore oil extraction to offshore exploration - where Vietnam has strong experience. He called on Algeria to adopt more enabling policies and streamline procedures to facilitate projects.
Arkab expressed thanked PM Chinh for his timely and attentive guidance in promoting Vietnam–Algeria cooperation, particularly in the oil industry, and creating favourable conditions for Algerian businesses to fully collaborate with their Vietnamese partners.
The minister noted that the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines is actively implementing the Algerian President’s directive to propose specific cooperation projects in oil and gas, as highlighted by PM Chinh. He expressed satisfaction with Algeria’s effective collaboration with Petrovietnam, describing it as a model of successful Algeria–Vietnam partnership. He also agreed with the Vietnamese leader’s proposal to establish a working group to coordinate the implementation of specific projects with Vietnam.
Recognising Vietnam’s experience, capacity, and strengths in the oil sector, the minister called for Vietnam’s support in this field, particularly in workforce training and technology transfer across all stages of oil and petroleum product exploration, processing, and distribution.
Meeting with Algeria’s Minister of Mujahideen (War Veterans) and Rights-Holders Abdelmalek Tacherift, PM Chinh expressed his pleasure at making his first official visit to Algeria during this historic November period, as the Algerian people commemorate the heroic chapters of their struggle for national independence.
He congratulated Algeria and its people on their remarkable achievements in building a “New Algeria,” with comprehensive economic and socio-cultural development and an increasingly important role and position in the region and the world.
The PM affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its close solidarity and fraternal ties with Algeria, a friendship built over six decades since 1962, the PM stated, affirming that despite changing times, this bond remains a precious legacy for both peoples.
He stressed that Vietnamese people always remember and cherish the solidarity and invaluable support that the Algerian government and people have extended to Vietnam, both during the arduous struggle for national independence and in the country’s national construction and development at the present.
Highlighting that Vietnam and Algeria stood side by side through difficult times, sharing the aspiration for independence and freedom, PM Chinh expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of heroes, martyrs, veterans, and meritorious people of the two countries, who have enabled Vietnam and Algeria to develop as they do today.
PM Chinh asked Algeria’s Ministry of Mujahideen and Rights Holders and relevant Vietnamese agencies, including the Ministry of National Defence and the Vietnam War Veterans’ Association, to strengthen cooperation in sharing policy experience on support for persons with meritorious services, war-consequence remediation, and the development of databases in these areas. He also proposed enhanced collaboration in museums, communication, and educating younger generations about the two countries’ historical ties and long-standing friendship.
For his part, the minister affirmed that veterans and persons with meritorious services are an important link in the deep, enduring historical bond between the two nations. He expressed confidence that this connection will continue to serve as a driving force for the new phase of bilateral relations, noting that Vietnam and Algeria now stand united on a new front — national development. He affirmed readiness to work closely with Vietnamese agencies on the areas outlined by PM Chinh.
On this occasion, the PM conveyed invitations from Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang and the Chairman of the Vietnam War Veterans’ Association to the Algerian minister to visit Vietnam.
Meeting with Abdelkrim Benmebarek, Secretary-General of Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN), PM Chinh stressed that history has recorded how the two Parties stood side by side during their struggles for national liberation and in building and safeguarding their countries. He expressed hope that the FLN will continue guiding its members to contribute to strengthening the friendship between the two Parties and two nations in the new development phase.
The PM called for closer ties between the FLN and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), including exchanges of leadership experience, guidance for national development and defence, and lessons on Party building.
He also proposed that the FLN support the Algerian Government and bilateral cooperation efforts, including the early formulation of an action programme to implement the newly established Strategic Partnership. He suggested both sides exchange assessments of global developments and share experience in Party building.
PM Chinh conveyed Party General Secretary To Lam’s invitation for FLN Secretary-General Benmebarek to visit Vietnam, and wished the FLN continued success in its leadership role, contributing to Algeria’s development under its vision to 2035.
Benmebarek said Vietnam’s struggle for independence against colonialism had been an inspiration for peoples worldwide in their fight against oppression.
He noted that following his earlier meeting with the PM, the Algerian President had instructed ministries and organisations to promptly implement concrete measures to bring to life the agreements signed across all fields, including the cooperation agreement between the FLN and the CPV.
Benmebarek emphasised that the two Parties share common goals and expressed hope to translate Party-to-Party cooperation into broader cooperation between the two nations.
On this occasion, PM Chinh and FLN Secretary-General Benmebarek witnessed the signing and handover of the cooperation agreement between the CPV and the FLN./.
