(VOVWORLD) - President Nguyen Xuan Phuc began a State visit to Indonesia on Wednesday at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The visit reflects progress in bilateral relations and deepens the Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership, serving the interests of the two peoples.
Vietnam and Indonesia established diplomatic relation in 1955, when Vietnam was in a struggle for national independence and reunification. Indonesia has always supported Vietnam, during the war and during national development and defense.
 Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong (Photo: VNA) |
Foundations for bilateral strategic partnership
Since Vietnam and Indonesia established a strategic partnership in 2013, the two countries have signed more than 30 agreements in various fields, including the Action Program to implement the Strategic Partnership for the 2019-2023 period. They have constantly promoted cooperation through important forums including the Committee for Cooperation on Science and Technology and the Committee for Bilateral Cooperation. Bilateral cooperation has developed strongly in various fields, especially in economics and trade. Trade turnover in 2021 totaled 11.5 billion USD, exceeding the target of 10 billion USD.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong said the two countries are heading for new targets. “The two countries have set ambitious goals to promote bilateral relations, including raising bilateral trade to 15 billion USD in 2028. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s State visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Joko Widodo will strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership. Both countries will sign important documents to extend the partnership on this occasion,” said Mr. Thong.
 Budiarsa Sastrawinata, Chairman of the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association (IVFA) and CEO of the Ciputra Group (photo: VOV) |
Vietnam and Indonesia have great potential for further economic cooperation. Indonesia is a member of the G20 group of developed and emerging economies and the 16th largest economy in the world, and Vietnam has one of the world’s fastest economic growth rates.
Both have created favorable conditions for the other's businesses and strengthened trade consultations.
Budiarsa Sastrawinata, Chairman of the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association (IVFA) and CEO of the Ciputra Group, said: "The relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia are always in the good term. The government of Vietnam is welcoming all Indonesian investment." The good relationship and the Vietnamese government's welcoming policy for foreign investors, not only those from Indonesia, the data of FDI in Vietnam is very good, said Mr. Budiarsa Sastrawinata.
The two countries have cooperated closely at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other international forums. At meetings, the two countries’ leaders, experts, and businesses have shared their views and stances and have agreed to tighten solidarity in ASEAN and promote ASEAN's central role in handling economic and political issues, including the East Sea issue.
The visit opens a number of cooperation opportunities
On the foundation of friendship and trust, the Vietnam-Indonesia relationship has developed to a strategic partnership. State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's visit to Indonesia manifest the two countries’ special attachment for bilateral ties.
After more than 2 years struggling against the global COVID-19 pandemic, in-person meetings have created an opportunity for the leaders to discuss measures to further promote bilateral cooperation.
President Phuc will hold talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, meet with leaders of the Indonesian parliament, witness the signing of cooperation documents, and receive representatives of large Indonesian enterprises.
In 2023 Vietnam and Indonesia will celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership with many big events.