05.07.2017.
Celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Independence of PDR of Algeria
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the independence of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, a ceremony was held in the Belgrade-based Central Military Club, where the book "Algeria-Belgrade, the Jubilee of Friendship 1962-2017" was promoted.
The gathering, organized by the Association of Friends of Algeria, was attended by Mr Zoran Đorđević, Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, H.E. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, Ambassador of Algeria, representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces, diplomatic corps and public and political life.
After the intonation of the Algerian and Serbian anthems, performed by the city women's choir "Barili" from Požarevac, the audience was greeted by Algerian Ambassador Abdelhamid Chebchoub, who thanked Minister Đorđević for warm cooperation and explained that, unlike most other, once colonialized countries, Algeria does not celebrate its national holiday on the day of gaining its independence, but as a remembrance of the commencement of the armed struggle on 1st November 1954.- This is the most important day when the people, taking arms, decided to take their fate into their own hands, and 5th July 1962, which we are marking today, is the day when the long colonial darkness, which lasted over Algeria for more than 132 years, ended, the Ambassador said, adding that today we remember the fighters who laid down their lives for their homeland to regain independence and sovereignty.
He added that the support of the former Yugoslavia to the liberation struggle of his people was very significant and that this was the reason why the book that records the details of that cooperation was written, and for which the former Minister of Defence wrote a preface.
Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, Zoran Đorđević, stressed that the friendship of the two countries is unbreakable, although there are many differences between them, but that they share the same commitment to freedom, dignity and justice.- Former Yugoslavia was the first European country to recognize the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic, but Serbia today greatly appreciates the contribution of that friendly country in preserving its territorial integrity and sovereignty, but also its support after the natural disasters that our country had experienced few years ago, minister Đorđević said, and especially thanked Algerian Ambassador Abdelhamidi Chebchoub for contributing to the successful cooperation of the two countries.
On behalf of the publisher of the book "Algeria-Belgrade, the Jubilee of Friendship 1962-2017", the audience was addressed by the President of the Association of Friends of Algeria, Marko Jelić, who pointed out that the motive for publishing the monograph was the magnificent victory of the Algerian revolution and gaining of independence.
- The book dedicated to relations between Serbia and Algeria is a collection of scientific, professional and journalistic articles on political, historical, diplomatic, cultural and other contributions in the cooperation between the two countries, Jelić pointed out, adding that the publication is a reminder of friendship that has lasted for more than 50 years, with full respect and understanding.President of the Association of Friends of Algeria, expressing the belief that this publishing venture will contribute to understanding, closeness and strengthening of the traditionally good relations between the two countries and two nations, congratulated brotherly Algerian people on the anniversary of independence with best wishes for their prosperity.
For the successful cooperation, Jelić presented Minister Đorđević and Odbrana Media Centre with letters of appreciation of the Association of Friends of Algeria.
