Algiers (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Ibrahim Boughali, Speaker of the National People's Assembly (APN) of Algeria, on November 20, within the framework of his official visit to the African nation.
Speaker Boughali affirmed that the Vietnamese government leader’s visit marks an important milestone, contributing to promoting bilateral relations.
Highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries, the host said Vietnam’s early recognition of Algeria laid a solid foundation for their cooperation. He noted that the exchange of delegations and experience-sharing between ministries and localities have been strengthened, with consultation and coordination mechanisms operating effectively.
He took the occasion to congratulate Vietnam on the successful organisation of the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, noting its crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity for many countries.
For his part, PM Chinh briefed the host on his meeting with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his talks with Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, which resulted in a joint statement on upgrading Vietnam-Algeria ties to a Strategic Partnership and the signing of many key agreements. The leader expressed his hope that both sides would soon develop a concrete action plan to implement the new framework, while calling for the Speaker’s support in this process.
Welcoming the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, Speaker Boughali expressed his delight that Algeria is Vietnam’s first strategic partner in Africa.
He highlighted the broad and distinctive bilateral cooperation across politics, economy, energy, defence, and telecoms, as well as collaboration between localities of the two nations, expressing his hope that economic cooperation will be further enhanced, contributing to strengthening political ties.
Regarding parliamentary cooperation, Speaker Boughali thanked the Vietnamese National Assembly for hosting Algerian delegations and friendship parliamentarians. He said Algeria is reforming many laws, including those on e-commerce, and expressed a desire to exchange experiences with Vietnam in this area.
Touching upon the two parliamentary cooperation documents signed in 2005, the host proposed reviewing and adjusting them to suit the new development context. He affirmed that the APN is ready to support cooperation initiatives to strengthen bilateral relations, for the interests of Vietnamese and Algerian people.
PM Chinh agreed with the Speaker’s initiatives, noting that both Vietnam and Algeria are developing nations with much to share and learn from each other, especially laws on investment, land, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation.
He urged the APN to support both governments in implementing the Strategic Partnership framework, including the prompt ratification of signed agreements, especially those on tax, investment, and trade.
Vietnam plans to invest in Algeria in banana and tea cultivation, rice production, and aquaculture, he noted, calling for support of the APN, particularly in land and water allocation.
PM Chinh also urged Algeria to continue facilitating stable and efficient operations for Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) at the Bir Seba field. Building on this successful symbol of bilateral economic cooperation, he proposed expanding collaboration in oil and gas exploration, petrochemical production and processing, and polymer fiber production.
Speaker Boughali said the Algerian legislature is ready to support Vietnamese businesses, which already have an initial presence in Algeria. Based on strong bilateral ties, he affirmed that Vietnamese investors would receive special incentives, and that the agreed-upon economic projects align with Algeria’s economic diversification policy.
Expressing confidence in a bright future for Vietnam-Algeria cooperation, PM Chinh said he hopes the two countries will continue fostering solidarity and mutual support.
He took the occasion to convey the invitation from Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the Algerian Speaker to pay an official visit to Vietnam. Speaker Boughali accepted the invitation with pleasure./.
