Welcoming Indonesian Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio, President Cuong expressed his pleasure at the strong development of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the recent celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations on December 30, 2025.

He noted that the long-standing friendship between the two countries was founded by President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno and has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people. He reaffirmed that Vietnam always values Indonesia’s valuable support in the past and considers Indonesia a leading priority in its foreign policy.

Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which set out strategic orientations toward the country’s centenary goals.

He said the traditional friendship serves as a solid foundation for further advancing bilateral cooperation, especially after the two countries upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Indonesia last year.

The ambassador welcomed Vietnamese enterprises’ effective investment and business activities in Indonesia, and expressed his hope that the two sides would further promote cooperation in areas of shared strengths, particularly electric vehicle battery manufacturing, semiconductors, halal food production and tourism development.

Agreeing with the ambassador’s views, President Cuong said that bilateral trade, estimated at around US$17 billion in 2025, is encouraging and could be raised to US$18 billion in the near future, given the strong political trust and complementary potential between the two economies.

He proposed that both sides step up high-level and all-level exchanges, finalise the Action Programme for 2026–2030 to concretise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and enhance cooperation in defence and security, agriculture, science and technology, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The State President also called for closer coordination to strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality, and mutual support at regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC, ASEM and BRICS.

Receiving Philippine Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, State President Luong Cuong welcomed him to take up his post in Vietnam and expressed confidence that, with his experience, the ambassador would serve as an effective bridge to elevate the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines to new heights.

He highlighted that both countries are proactive and responsible ASEAN members, share many common concerns and strategic interests, and have seen their friendship and cooperation grow steadily, with increasing political trust and substantive collaboration across multiple fields.

The State President noted the strong growth in bilateral trade in recent years, positive defence and security cooperation, and deepening exchanges in culture, tourism, education and training, as well as people-to-people ties, while emphasising that significant potential for further cooperation remains.

He underscored that 2026 will be a particularly important year, marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Philippines diplomatic relations and the year when the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, while Vietnam begins implementing the resolution of the 14th National Party Congress. This, he said, provides a timely opportunity for the two countries to study the elevation of bilateral relations to a higher level.

The State President reiterated his invitation to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit Vietnam and attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment, as ASEAN Chair, to promoting unity and ASEAN centrality.

He suggested that both sides intensify exchanges through all channels, effectively utilise bilateral cooperation mechanisms, strengthen economic connectivity, facilitate trade in potential and competitive products, and strive to bring two-way trade to US$10 billion.

Appreciating the close coordination between the two countries at regional and international forums, the State President affirmed Vietnam’s support for the Philippines in successfully fulfilling its role as ASEAN Chair in 2026.

Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III pledged to work actively to advance bilateral cooperation, particularly during the milestone year of 2026. He said the Philippines looks forward to Vietnam’s active contributions to the ASEAN agenda, helping ensure a successful chairmanship and stronger intra-bloc cooperation.

Indonesia ready to cooperate with Vietnam in halal sector

VOV.VN - Indonesia hosted the “Marketing & Halal Summit 2026” aiming to identify new directions for halal-compliant products while supporting the strengthening of the national halal ecosystem, identifying future trends and building effective halal brands for businesses in the sector.