Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV

At their talks in capital Algiers, the two Prime Ministers discussed specific directions and measures to promote the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria. Based on the historical solidarity and great potential for future cooperation, the two sides agreed to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds talks with Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb. Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV

Within the framework of the new partnership, Prime Minister Chinh suggested that the two sides increase delegation exchanges and give priority to each other in their foreign policies. Algeria continues to pay attention to and support the Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (PVN) to expand its investment and operate stably and effectively, contributing more positively to the development of Algeria, he said.

PM Chinh stressed the need to promote investment cooperation, open the two countries' markets, increase trade exchanges, ensure a balance of interests between the two countries, in which Algeria supports Vietnamese enterprises to participate in digital transformation projects, and enterprises of the two countries cooperate in the telecom sector.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister makes proposals to deepen bilateral relations. Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV

The two sides will boost cooperation in defense and security, a new pillar in bilateral cooperation, participate in each other's defense exhibitions, and cooperate in cyber security. They also discussed agricultural development, cultural and educational exchanges, people-to-people ties, and support for the Vietnamese community in Algeria.

Prime Minister Chinh also suggested that the two sides actively establish subcommittees for cooperation in science and technology, digital transformation, healthcare, education and training, labor cooperation and other specialized fields.

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb speaks at the talks. Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV

After the talks, the two Prime Ministers held a press conference and witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two countries.

The signed documents between Vietnam and Algeria are Minutes of the 13th Session of the Vietnam-Algeria Joint Committee on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation; Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam and the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Cities of Algeria in housing and urban planning; Appendix of the Protocol on public debt settlement between the two Governments; Agreement on cooperation in education between the two Governments; Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAC); Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Academy of Posts and Telecommunications Technology and the Algerian Boumedienne University of Science and Technology; Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion on joint research, assessment, and promotion of the initiation of talks on a trade agreement between the two countries.