Vietnam promotes defense cooperation with Algeria

On May 12, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang held receptions for Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Azeddine Bechka.

At his meeting with Algerian Ambassador Azeddine Bechka, Giang emphasised the longstanding friendship between Viet Nam and Algeria, noting that the two nations have consistently supported one another during past struggles for national independence and in their current development process.

He highlighted the positive momentum in bilateral relations following the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership in November 2025, describing it as an important step in strengthening political trust and creating fresh momentum for cooperation across multiple sectors.

General Giang noted that bilateral defence collaboration has continued to receive attention from leaders of both sides, with notable progress in delegation exchanges and training cooperation. Algeria is also one of only two African countries where Viet Nam maintains a resident Defence Attaché Office.

He proposed the two defence ministries further expand ties through high-level exchanges, the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation, collaboration in training, military history research, defence industry, logistics and technical support, as well as stronger mutual support at regional and international multilateral defence-security forums.

He also invited Algerian defence leaders and enterprises to participate in and exhibit products at the third Viet Nam Defence Expo.

Ambassador Azeddine Bechka expressed satisfaction with the strong and growing Viet Nam–Algeria relationship, which he said has been built on a solid historical foundation and shared aspirations for national independence and development. He voiced his support for Viet Nam’s cooperation proposals and affirmed Algeria’s desire to strengthen bilateral defence collaboration in areas such as delegation exchanges, training and United Nations peacekeeping operations.