Vietnam-Algeria: Honouring the fallen and strengthening future ties
WVR - On the morning of March 7, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, in coordination with the Embassy of Algeria in Vietnam, organized a visit and memorial service to pay tribute the Vietnamese and Algerian diplomats, military officers, journalists, and technical experts who perished in the tragic plane crash on March 8, 1974, in Mai Dinh Commune, Soc Son District, Hanoi.
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| The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Algeria in Vietnam visited and worked at the People's Committee of Soc Son district. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
The memorial service was attended by Ms. Nguyen Phuong Tra, Director-General of the Department of Middle East and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Do Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Soc Son District; Mr. Saadi Salaman, Ambassador of Palestine to Vietnam, Head of the Diplomatic Corps; and Mr. Redha Oucher, Chargé d'Affaires of the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam. Also present were representatives from various ministries, local authorities, organizations, businesses, and particularly, the families of the fallen Vietnamese and Algerian personnel.
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| Mr. Do Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of Soc Son District People's Committee affirmed the District’s commitment to preserving and maintaining the memorial site to further strengthen the bond between the two nations. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
As part of the memorial activities, the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited and held discussions with the People’s Committee of Soc Son District. Vice Chairman Do Minh Tuan shared that in 2024, with support from the city and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the district had renovated and upgraded the memorial site, transforming it into a lasting symbol of the Vietnam-Algeria friendship. He affirmed Soc Son District’s commitment to preserving and maintaining this site to further strengthen the bond between the two nations.
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| Ms. Nguyen Phuong Tra, Director-General of the Middle East-Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed her gratitude to the families of the martyrs in the plane crash. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
On her speech, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Tra, Director-General of the Department of Middle East and Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the authorities of Soc Son District and Mai Dinh Commune for their continuous efforts in organizing the annual memorial activities and maintaining the site. She particularly acknowledged their support in expanding the memorial to reflect the ever-deepening relationship between Vietnam and Algeria.
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The renovation and expansion of the memorial site are not only meaningful and humanitarian efforts but also tributes to those who sacrificed their lives to foster the Vietnam-Algeria solidarity. It serves as a place for educating future generations of both nations about revolutionary ideals, patriotism, and the tradition of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.
On this occasion, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Tra extended her deepest gratitude to the families of the martyrs and reaffirmed that both the Vietnamese and Algerian people would always remember this profound loss. She emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with relevant ministries, local authorities, and the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam, would continue to organize annual memorial visits on March 8, as well as delegation visits to the site during significant bilateral events, further nurturing the long-standing Vietnam-Algeria friendship.
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| Mr. Redha Oucher, Chargé d'Affaires of the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam underscored that the tragic event of March 8, 1974, was not only a sorrowful accident but also a powerful symbol of unity of Vietnam-Algeria. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
Mr. Redha Oucher, Chargé d'Affaires of the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam, underscored that the tragic event of March 8, 1974, was not only a sorrowful accident but also a powerful symbol of unity, where the blood of Vietnamese and Algerian personnel merged as one - a testament to the shared destiny of the two nations.
“This monument is an enduring bridge in the history of our traditional ties, reminding us of the deep-rooted friendship between Vietnam and Algeria. It embodies the spirit of solidarity in the struggle against colonialism and the pursuit of national independence,” Mr. Oucher stated.
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| Mr. Saadi Salaman, Ambassador of Palestine to Vietnam, Head of the Diplomatic Corps offered incense at the memorial site. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
Recognizing the efforts made in restoring and enhancing the Memorial Site, Mr. Oucher viewed the memorial service as an acknowledgment and expression of gratitude from the Vietnamese state and people to previous generations, particularly to the fallen officials and journalists who contributed to the development of the traditional friendship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, in an emotional reflection, Mr. Saadi Salaman, Ambassador of Palestine to Vietnam and Head of the Diplomatic Corps, emphasized to The World & Vietnam Report that Vietnam and Algeria share a long-standing friendship, marked by unwavering mutual support and solidarity in the quest for independence.
He highlighted that holding such a solemn commemoration today would help young generations in Vietnam better understand the enduring relationship between Vietnam and Algeria, as well as between Vietnam and the broader Arab world.
“The younger generation in Vietnam must uphold the tradition of remembering those who came before them, acknowledging the efforts of past generations in fostering and strengthening this friendship,” Ambassador Salaman added.
Some pictures of the commemoration
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| The delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the families of Vietnamese officials and journalists who perished on March 8, 1974, offered incense at the memorial site. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
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| The delegation from the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam, together with the families of Algerian officials and journalists who lost their lives in the plane crash, offered incense in remembrance of the contributions of previous generations to the two countries' friendship. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
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| Chargé d'Affaires of the Algerian Embassy in Vietnam, Redha Oucher, offered incense at the ceremony. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
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| Delegates attended the memorial service and offered incense in tribute to the Vietnamese and Algerian officials and journalists who perished in the plane crash in Mai Dinh Commune, Soc Ssn District, Hanoi, on the morning of March 7, 2025. (Photo: Thu Giang) |
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