Creating momentum in Vietnam-Indonesia relationship
Anh Huyen -
(VOVWORLD) - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong began an official visit to Indonesia on Tuesday. The 3-day visit, the first visit made by a Party chief to Indonesia since the two countries established a strategic partnership, coincides with the celebration of ASEAN’s 50th anniversary. It is expected to create new momentum in bilateral ties.
 Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong begins an official visit to Indonesia
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Vietnam and Indonesia established diplomatic ties on December 30th, 1955. On the firm foundation created by President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno, Vietnamese and Indonesian leaders and peoples have strengthened their relationship, both bilaterally and multilaterally, especially within ASEAN.
Indonesia is Vietnam’s important partner
Both Vietnam and Indonesia are members of ASEAN, APEC and many other regional and international organizations. Indonesia is Vietnam’s important partner. Indonesia appreciates Vietnam’s role and considers Vietnam an influential ASEAN country. Vietnam was the first ASEAN country to establish a strategic partnership with Indonesia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “With its role and position in the region and the world, building a strategic partnership with Indonesia will bring strategic benefits for both countries and promote peace, cooperation, and stable development in the region.”
Indonesia and Vietnam are rapidly developing economies. Indonesia is the world’s 16th biggest economy and Southeast Asia’s largest market. In 2016, Indonesia’s economy grew 5.02% and it was one of the world’s 10 biggest manufacturers. In recent years, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Indonesia has grown 5% annually increasing from 4.6 billion USD in 2012 to 5.6 billion USD last year. The two countries aim to raise bilateral trade to 10 billion USD by 2018. Indonesia ranks 5th among ASEAN countries and 30th out of 105 countries and territories invested in Vietnam with 59 projects.
Vietnam and Indonesia have strengthened defense and security cooperation. They have maintained a Joint Working Group of their two navies, set up a direct hotline, cooperated in search and rescue work, and accelerated the demarcation of their exclusive economic zones.
Promoting practical cooperation
In recent years, the number of Vietnamese ships colliding with Indonesian ships has increased due to overlapping economic zones. The two countries have been working to resolve the issue. At a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue in Jakarta in July, the Indonesian Vice President promised to ask Indonesian agencies to work with Vietnam and acknowledged Vietnam’s proposal to extend the Agreement on Consular Notification and Assistance and the Memorandum of Understanding on Sea and Fisheries signed in 2010. Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Hoang Anh Tuan said the two countries are working on comprehensive solutions to all maritime disputes: "Fishery cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia has grown. Indonesia has accepted Vietnam’s proposals. I really hope that Vietnam and Indonesia will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Fishery Cooperation in the 2016-2020 period."
Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Indonesia is expected to pave the way for better bilateral ties.
Anh Huyen