Vietnam and Indonesia hold their first defense policy dialogue on June 25, 2019.

Vice Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and Indonesia’s Vice Admiral Agus Setiadji met in Hanoi on Tuesday for the first defense policy dialogue between the two countries. Mr. Vinh suggested that any fishing violations at sea should be handled on a humanitarian basis in line with international, Vietnamese and Indonesian laws. He underlined that the Vietnam Coast Guard will aim to prevent rather than detain foreign fishermen violating Vietnamese waters and will refrain from seizing or destroying their fishing  equipment or bringing the violators to court. Mr. Vinh asked the Indonesian side to uphold  reciprocal practices to avoid any negative impact on bilateral ties.

The two sides agreed to increase communications and education to improve the awareness of fishermen and refrain from using force against violators. They vowed to make the best use of the existing hotline to settle potential incidents. Both sides will consider establishing a joint  group of maritime agencies.