What started as a single Vovinam class in Algeria in 2001 with just 41 students has ballooned over the past quarter-century into a major presence across the country and beyond. The Vietnamese martial art is now widely practiced throughout Algeria and has taken root in several other African nations, with hundreds of clubs operating in 37 of Algeria’s 58 cities and provinces, creating the second largest Vovinam community worldwide after Vietnam itself.

After watching a demonstration by Algeria’s national team and AVVF athletes, PM Chinh thanked Algerian friends and 31,000 Vovinam practitioners, praising their dedication as the reflection of not only a strong sporting spirit and commitment to public health, but also special affection for Vietnam, its people, and Vovinam.

He wished for the Vietnam-Algeria friendship to remain everlasting, and for the spirit of Vovinam to thrive.

This was the final activity of his official visit to Algeria. Later in the evening, the Government leader, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed for South Africa to attend the G20 Summit and conduct bilateral activities at the invitation of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Chair of the G20 in 2025.

Ambassador pins high hope on Vietnamese PM’s visit to Algeria

The official visit to Algeria from November 18-20 by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will open up new cooperation agreements, contribute to completing the legal framework, and facilitate bilateral exchanges and collaboration in trade, culture, and education, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh told the host country’s media.