Addressing the function, Ambassador Pitono Purnomo stressed the significance of the event to the Indonesians, saying this year’s anniversary in Hanoi is special as Indonesia and Vietnam are approaching celebrations of the 55^th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and the 65^th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.

Indonesia was the fourth country in the world and the first in Southeast Asia to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, he added.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dao Viet Trung expressed his delight at developments in the two countries’ friendship and cooperation in politics, economics, trade, investment, education, labour, security and national defence.

He said Vietnam always wants to increase cooperation with Indonesia and expressed his belief that Indonesian will achieve further success in national construction and development.

To mark the occasion, the Indonesian Embassy organised a week of Indonesian culture in Hanoi from September 3-7 with the participation of a dance group from West Sumatra island.