INTERVIEW BETWEEN VIETNAM PLUS WITH H.E.MR.SOFIANE CHAIB – AMBASSADOR OF ALGERIA TO VIETNAM

1. What are your impressions of General Giap?

General Vo Nguyen Giap represents a central link in the historic relations of solidarity which link Algeria and Vietnam and was one of the main actors of its most beautiful pages both before and after our independence. The major episode of Dien Bien Phu, of which he was the architect, served as a powerful example and encouragement to our Algerian Revolution which was triggered only a few months later. This historic battle continues to be taught in Algerian school textbooks and its force of attraction was conceptualized, in 1958, under the expression of "guide territory" by the Algerian activist and thinker Frantz Fanon who wrote: "Between colonized peoples, there seems to exist a kind of enlightening and sacred communication which makes each liberated territory promoted for a certain time to the rank of "guide territory". The independence of a new territory, the liberation of a new people is felt by other oppressed countries as an invitation, an encouragement and a promise."

General Giap was a military leader of the greatest stature, a strategist of the “people’s war” and a faithful representative of the thought of President Ho Chi Minh. Beyond the prestige and respect that his victories on the military field gave him, General Giap devoted his entire life to serving his homeland and his people. His destiny as a hero who gloriously accomplished his patriotic duty is intertwined with the most significant stages in the history of Vietnam. This is undoubtedly the reason why General Giap remains present in the memory of the friendly Vietnamese people, as I was able to notice during the recent funeral ceremony of his late wife, which I personally attended. He is also present for the Algerian people who will never forget this friend whose name will always remain engraved in their memory.

Ambassador of Algeria Sofiane Chaib writes condolence book on the passing of Associate Professor Đặng Bích Hà – Spouse of General Vo Nguyen Giap

Through his impressive literary heritage, General Giap has also bequeathed to future generations, both in Vietnam and those belonging to countries which know the price of independence and freedom, a clearer vision of the character of the people Vietnamese, its cultural traditions and its capacity for resilience.

Ambassador of Algeria Sofiane Chaib burns incense at the altar of General Vo Nguyen Giap

2. What is the image of General Giap in the hearts of the African people in general and the Algerian people in particular?

This military hero of Vietnamese independence had special ties with Algeria, which he visited several times and where he delivered his famous speech in 1980 declaring that "colonialists are bad students of History". This formula has remained proverbial in Algeria and my country always strives to perpetuate this collective memory which represents an inestimable heritage in the historical relations of friendship, solidarity and cooperation uniting us with Vietnam. These relations have their source in Algeria's support for Vietnam during its national liberation struggle and after its independence and Vietnam's support for Algeria during its war to recover its sovereignty and unity and in its post-war reconstruction efforts.

We are also delighted that Vo Hong Nam, son of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and Tran Van Binh, son of Major General Tran Van Quang, who both contributed significantly to the victory of Dien Bien Phu, were elected members of the executive committee of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution. This association, which was founded in Algiers in July 2023, aims precisely to promote the activism of the friends of the Algerian Revolution.

Ambassador of Algeria Sofiane Chaib takes a photo with Mr. Vo Hong Nam, son of General Vo Nguyen Giap

The memorial segment of our bilateral relations is a unique foundation that is important to promote and popularize for the present and future generations of our two countries. The Algerian ministerial delegations that visit Vietnam make sure, during each trip to Hanoi, to plan memorial activities that obviously include a tribute to General Giap.

The Algerian delegation led by Mr. Laid Rebigua, Minister of War Veterans and Rights Holders of Algeria, offered incense in memory of General Vo Nguyen Giap during their visit to Vietnam to attend the state funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong

I also think that Algeria is the only country with two avenues named after former President Ho Chi Minh. There is also the film "Lotus Flower", jointly produced by Algeria and Vietnam, on the human ties woven between our two peoples during the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, as well as the theatrical work of the famous Kateb Yacine entitled "The Man with Rubber Sandals". On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Algeria hosted a film crew from the Vietnam Military Radio and Television Center, as part of the production of a documentary entitled "Dien Bien Phu seen from Africa".

In Africa, General Giap's military successes have been a major reference for peoples fighting for their independence. In particular, the victory of Dien Bien Phu was a catalyst that led to an irresistible dynamic towards the armed struggle of countries under colonial domination in order to gain their independence. Unfortunately, this process remains unfinished in Africa where the people of Western Sahara are still fighting for their independence and freedom, more than sixty years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1960.