Vietnamese prime minister, on visit in Algeria, urges greater bilateral cooperation
ALGIERS - Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, on an official visit aimed at boosting economic ties, met with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika after presiding over the signing of a new economic cooperation agreement between the two countries.
The Vietnamese head of government also said the two countries, both former French colonies with good political relations, should "coordinate efforts and step up cooperation to contribute to peace and stability in the world," in comments quoted by the Algerian news agency APS.
Earlier Sunday, Phan Van Khai and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Ouyahia presided over a forum of businessmen from both countries, during which their respective chambers of commerce signed a cooperation agreement to create an Algerian-Vietnamese businessmen's council by March 2005 and encourage bilateral assistance and exchanges for small businesses in both countries. Ouyahia, who announced that a major Algerian business delegation would head shortly to Vietnam, said the accord will create a tighter framework for closer cooperation.
The Algerian prime minister urged broadening and strengthening relations "in a world in which Southern countries must fight and support each other to develop their respective well-being". Algeria and Vietnam are already linked by an accord to promote investment. The Vietnamese minister, who also met with the speakers of the two houses of parliament, was due to leave Algiers Sunday night.
Agence France Presse - 21 Novembre 2004
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