It’s time to consider upgrading Vietnam-Indonesia ties: President Thuong
VOV.VN - With the time-honoured friendship and great co-operative achievements recorded between the two countries over the past 70 years, it is time to consider upgrading Vietnam-Indonesia relations to new heights in the near future.
This statement was made by President Vo Van Thuong at a press conference to announce the outcomes of talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
Informing the press after their successful talks, President Thuong happily said that President Widodo is the first foreign head of state to visit Vietnam this year, bringing to the nation and the Vietnamese people's feelings of friendship, sincerity, and warmth.
President Thuong noted his confident that the Indonesian leader’s visit will add fresh impetus to the friendship and co-operation in the time ahead, stressing that it is time to consider upgrading the relationship to new heights.
The Vietnamese State leader said he believes that the visit by the Indonesian President and his senior delegation will make positive contributions to the development of friendly ties and the strategic partnership that exists between both sides moving forward for the sake of the two peoples, for the cause of peace, stability, co-operation, and development in the region and the wider world.
In response, President Widodo sincerely thanked President Thuong and the Vietnamese side for their warm welcome given to him and his delegation, emphasizing that the strategic partnership between the two countries has lasted for 10 years and during the process, bilateral trade turnover has exceeded the target of US$10 billion. During talks the two leaders agreed to increase this bilateral turnover level.
Hailing the two countries' investment in each other's markets, the Indonesian President said that there have been two Indonesian "unicorn" firms which have run major investment in the nation.
He welcomed Vietnamese and Indonesian businesses to invest in the respective markets, as well as expressing his firm belief that Indonesian companies in the nation will always enjoy optimal conditions.
Vinfast has invested a total of US$1.2 billion to develop Indonesia's electric vehicle and battery ecosystem, according to Widodo.
The same day President Thuong hosted a banquet in honour of President Widodo and his entourage.
In his speech, the Vietnamese State leader said the Vietnam-Indonesia friendship was built on a firm foundation of closeness in history, culture and the spirit of self-reliance of the two peoples and the close sentiments between two great leaders - President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno.
He affirmed that with political and strategic trust that has stood the test of time, Vietnam and Indonesia are resolved to elevate their Strategic partnership to a new level at a suitable time.
The host leader said that as both nations hold important geostrategic roles and positions in the region, the close cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia will positively contribute to the strong development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community as well as peace and stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
President Widodo, in turn, stated that Vietnam and Indonesia have built a friendly relationship and mutual respect as well as constantly developing their multifaceted cooperation after establishing diplomatic ties nearly 69 years ago.
He expected that the two countries will continue enhancing their collaboration for the development and prosperity of their people.
