State President Nguyen Minh Triet made the statement during his talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the capital city of Algiers on the morning of April 14 (local time).

He spoke highly of the achievements that the Algerian people have made during the implementation of national conciliation and national construction and development. He said he was pleased with positive developments in the bilateral ties over the past time.

For his part, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said the Vietnamese State leader’s visit is of significance, helping bring the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries to a new level of development.

He praised Vietnam’s achievements over the past time, especially its efforts to overcome the negative impacts of the global economic recession in order to maintain its dynamism and attractiveness in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Algerian President also affirmed that Algeria pays special attention to developing its relationship with Vietnam, one of its traditional friends in Asia.

The two leaders discussed at length specific measures to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in oil and gas, trade, construction and labour. They also talked about regional and international issues of common concern.

Both host and guest agreed that in the context of the two countries’ strong development, bilateral cooperation should be strengthened and consolidated in order to take advantage of each other’s potentials and together develop for the benefit of the two peoples and the prosperity of the two nations.

They agreed to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels and applauded the signing of cooperative agreements during the visit, which help create a favourable framework for boosting bilateral ties.

In parallel with the talks between the heads of the two States, leaders of Vietnamese ministries and agencies discussed with Algerian partners orientations and specific measures to expand bilateral cooperation. They agreed to actively prepare for the 9th session of the Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Government Committee this year.

After the talks, President Triet and his Algerian counterpart witnessed the signing of important agreements, including agreements on judiciary assistance in trade and civil and criminal affairs, an agreement on criminal extradition and memoranda of understanding on cooperation between Vietnamese and Algerian Ministries of Justice, sports, aquaculture, and veterinary cooperation, as well as the protection and quarantine of agricultural products.

On the evening of April 13, President Nguyen Minh Triet received representatives of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Association (AVFA). He affirmed that Vietnam will be a faithful friend to the Algerian people and wishes to continue strengthening its friendship and cooperation with the North African country.

AVFA President Abdelkrim Hassani described the Vietnamese President’s visit as a clear manifestation of the close ties between the two nations. The visit has opened a new chapter for the Vietnam-Algeria relationship, he added./.