Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh: A historic bond between Vietnam and Algeria
WVR - On the occasion of historical milestones in April and May, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh shared his reflection with the World and Vietnam Report on the close relationship between Vietnam and Algeria in the struggle for independence, freedom and happiness for their people.
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| Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh. (Photo Tuan Anh) |
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh, although Vietnam and Algeria are two countries on different continents, with distinct languages and cultures, they are united by a shared and just struggle for independence, freedom, and the happiness of their peoples.
On the occasion of the 71st anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954 – May 7, 2025) and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), Ambassador Tran Quoc Khanh talked with The World and Vietnam Report about the deep ties between Vietnam and Algeria, forged in their struggles for justice and national independence.
Vietnam's victory at Dien Bien Phu, as the late Algerian President Houari Boumediene once said, was "the starting point of a new fight for the complete liberation" of the Algerian people. What is your opinion, Ambassador?
This was a deeply profound and insightful remark by the late President Houari Boumediene, a close friend of the Vietnamese people. I believe his sentiment also reflects the general view held by the Algerian people regarding the great victory at Dien Bien Phu.
Every Algerian I have met speaks of Dien Bien Phu with admiration, respect, and pride — as though it were their own triumph. The victory at Dien Bien Phu served as a source of inspiration and confidence for the Algerian people, enabling them to successfully launch the November 1954 Revolution and ultimately achieve full independence on July 5, 1962.
Perhaps President Boumediene referred to a “new struggle” because the Dien Bien Phu victory, beyond being an inspiration, offered the Algerian people a powerful strategic example. It demonstrated how a small colony could overcome a major colonial power. It also provided a model for people’s war and guerrilla tactics — using the weak to defeat the strong, and the few to overcome the many — which laid the groundwork for the ultimate success of the Algerian Revolution.
In an interview with the Vietnamese press last year, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, Algerian Minister of Veterans and Meritorious People, Laid Rebiga — who recently attended the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification in Ho Chi Minh City — emphasized: “There is a very special relationship between the Vietnamese people and the Algerian people, based on a common struggle.” Could you share more about the connection between the peoples of Vietnam and Algeria that stems from this shared “starting point”?
Although Vietnam and Algeria are located on two different continents and have distinct languages and cultures, they are united by a common cause: a just struggle for independence, freedom, and happiness for their peoples. This bond is rooted in what I would call a shared historical destiny.
The foundation of this special relationship was laid by our beloved President Ho Chi Minh. Throughout his life, he paid close attention to the Algerian revolution. In fact, as early as 1922, he co-founded the newspaper Le Paria with Algerian revolutionaries and other international activists.
What activities and plans has the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria undertaken to express gratitude, promote, and preserve the stories and valuable lessons from past generations in building and fostering the traditional friendship between the two countries and peoples?
Generations of officials and staff at the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria are deeply aware of the special significance of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Algeria. In recent years, the Embassy has proactively coordinated with local authorities to implement a wide range of cultural diplomacy and outreach activities to promote the image of Vietnam, its people, and especially President Ho Chi Minh.
Typical activities include floral tributes at Ho Chi Minh Avenue in the capital Algiers, film screenings about President Ho Chi Minh, and consistently incorporating his image and messages in all diplomatic events. A notable initiative has been the promotion of traditional Vietnamese martial arts, which has become the most popular martial art in Algeria.
The Embassy has also highlighted shared historical events and figures admired by both nations, such as the Dien Bien Phu Victory and its influence on the Algerian revolution, and the play The Rubber Sandal Man by renowned Algerian writer Kateb Yacine, which honours President Ho Chi Minh.
Additionally, the Embassy has hosted numerous in-person engagements and effectively leveraged digital platforms to connect with Algerian youth and the younger generation of the Vietnamese community in Algeria.
Looking ahead, the Embassy plans to collaborate with historians to collect and share meaningful stories about President Ho Chi Minh’s activities related to Algeria. It also intends to work with local authorities to install a commemorative plaque highlighting his life, career, and deep affection for the Algerian people. At the same time, the Embassy will continue to promote Vietnamese culture, the nation’s achievements, and the potential for expanded cooperation between Vietnam and Algeria.
Vietnam is currently immersed in a heroic atmosphere as the nation commemorates its historic milestones. Could you share your reflections on the homeland during these meaningful days?
The 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification is a profoundly significant historical milestone—one that perhaps each person is fortunate to witness only once in a lifetime. Although I am observing these events from afar, I am deeply moved by the enduring national spirit, forged over thousands of years of resilience and unity.
I also feel immense pride in witnessing the deep affection and admiration that people around the world—particularly the Algerian people—have for Vietnam and the Vietnamese people.
This historic moment further strengthens my resolve to join hands with colleagues at the Embassy to enhance the Vietnam–Algeria relationship, contributing to a peaceful, stable, and favorable environment for our homeland as it moves forward into a new era.
