Vietnam, Indonesia forge close strategic partnership

General Secretary Trong congratulated President Widodo on the great achievements Indonesia has recorded, especially in COVID-19 control, economic recovery, and foreign affairs, as well as its efforts to host the G-20 summit this year.

He briefed the Indonesian president on recent developments and foreign policy of Vietnam, affirming the Party and State of Vietnam attach great importance to developing the strategic partnership with Indonesia.

He expressed his delight at the strong development of the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership, and noted that both countries are entering a new stage of development, for the benefit of the two peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

To this end, he suggested that the two sides enhance mutual understanding and political trust through high-level meetings and visit exchanges, while effectively implementing agreements, bringing into full play existing cooperation mechanisms and increasing cooperation in the fields of defense and security.

The General Secretary also suggested that the two sides ramp up economic cooperation toward trade balance, actively take advantage of the potential for cooperation in new fields, and closely coordinate in addressing regional and international issues of common concern, including the East Sea issue and cooperation in ASEAN as well as at other international forums.

For his part, President Widodo spoke highly of the great socio-economic development achievements Vietnam has reaped recently under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He also highly valued the positive development of bilateral relations in various fields of cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment.

The Indonesian President agreed with General Secretary Trong’s proposals and suggested that Vietnam facilitate Indonesian investment projects in the country, and further promote other fields of cooperation to welcome 10 years of the two countries’ strategic partnership in 2023.

President Widodo informed Party General Secretary Trong about Indonesia’s post-pandemic economic recovery, priorities in its foreign policy, and its efforts to host the G-20 Summit this year and prepare to assume the rotating ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023.

He concurred with the General Secretary’s comments on regional and international issues and suggested that the two sides work closely together at multilateral forums. He expressed his hope that Vietnam, with its experience as ASEAN Chair 2020, would continue to support Indonesia in taking on the role of ASEAN Chair next year.