A solemn ceremony to welcome Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his entourage to Indonesia was held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 14.
After the ceremony, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and PM Dung held talks to discuss measures to boost traditional ties of friendship and comprehensive cooperation toward a strategic partnership.
President Yudhoyono praised PM Dung’s decision to choose Indonesia as one of his first destinations after the National Assembly elected him the leader of the Vietnamese Government. He expressed his belief that the visit will help consolidate bilateral ties.
The two sides briefed each other on political, economic and foreign affairs in both countries in an open and friendly manner.
President Yudhoyono appreciated Vietnam’s timely and drastic measures to cope with the global financial crisis and economic downturn to stabilise macro-economy, control inflation and ensure social welfare.
PM Dung also hailed Indonesia’s efforts to overcome the global financial crisis and constant disasters. He also praised the country’s successful organisation of the 18th ASEAN summit, the 44th ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting and other related meetings.
Based on each country’s potential and strength, the two leaders agreed to develop bilateral relations to a new height, toward a strategic partnership for mutual benefits and for peace, stability, cooperation, development and prosperity in the region and the world.
At a press conference after the talks, the two leaders affirmed their agreement to boost cooperation in all fields of politics, security, defence, economics, trade, investment, industry, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as expanding cooperation in energy, culture, education, training, and sport.
President Yudhoyono asserted that Indonesia will work with Vietnam to increase two-way trade turnover to US$5 billion by 2015, promote trade and investment and create conditions for businesses from the two countries to increase investment cooperation.
In particular, he proposed the two countries strengthen rice production cooperation to ensure food security in ASEAN and closely coordinate in exploiting special economic zones effectively, therefore preventing violations.
PM Dung said the two sides agreed to authorise relevant ministries and departments to negotiate signing an agreement on joint sea patrols and establishing an information channel between the two countries’ armies.
He praised Indonesia’s establishment of the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association, which helps strengthen friendship relations and mutual understanding between the two peoples.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea situation and the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), advancing to the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
As the President of ASEAN 2011, President Yudhoyono affirmed that Indonesia will strive to further deal with remaining issues in ASEAN. Other issues related to the East Sea situation will be handled by peaceful solutions based on international laws.
PM Dung emphasised that Vietnam will continue to support Indonesia to fulfil its ASEAN presidency term, contributing to strengthening inner bloc affinity and working toward building the ASEAN Community in 2015.
President Yudhoyono conveyed his invitation to President Truong Tan Sang to visit Indonesia in 2012.
After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of the Vietnam-Indonesia Action Programme in the 2012-2025 period to implement the joint declaration on friendship and comprehensive cooperation in the 21st century and a memorandum of understanding on joint activities to strengthen information exchange and bilateral consultation between the two foreign ministries.
On the same day, PM Dung met with the Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, Taufik Kiemas.
Before leaving Jakarta, successfully concluding his official visit to Indonesia, PM Dung visited the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese delegation in ASEAN.
*** Also on September 14, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with his Indonesian partner, Raden Monhammad Marty Muliana Natalegawa.
The two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to strengthen exchange visits.
Add new comment