Top Vietnamese legislator’s visit to Indonesia of strategic significance

Veeramalla Anjaiah, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) and senior journalist based in Jakarta, made the statement in a recent media interview.

Anjaiah stated that the visit clearly highlights the interest of Vietnamese leaders in terms of promoting relations with Indonesia, as well as the general spirit of solidarity and trust between the leaders of the two countries as they are ready to work towards wide-ranging co-operation for the greater benefit of the people. This will be done for the cause of peace and stability in Southeast Asia, whilst simultaneously contributing to strengthening links between the Vietnamese and Indonesian legislatures.

According to him, the visit to Jakarta from August 4 to August 7 by NA Chairman Hue takes place at an important time when the two countries celebrate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership and Indonesia is holding the role of ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023, as well as chairing the 44th AIPA General Assembly

He added that during the visit, the Vietnamese NA leader will meet Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Puan Maharani, chairman of the People's Representative Council (DPR), to discuss the strategic partnership between the two countries and parliamentary co-operation, as well as all issues related to friendship, peace, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

Both sides have enjoyed a close-knit and traditional relationship for many years, with diplomatic ties built and developed strongly on the foundation established by the two founding leaders, namely President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno, Anjaiah stated.

In 2013, the two countries elevated their relations to the level of a strategic partnership, with this being an important milestone affirming the overall development of the bilateral relationship to a new height, thereby demonstrating solidarity, mutual understanding, and respect.

This renowned international relations researcher also recalled the exchange visits made by both nations’ leaders over recent years.

Bilateral trade has also grown rapidly over the past few years, surpassing the figure of US$14 billion by 2022.

At regional and international forums, the country has always expressed its support for the Indonesian role as ASEAN Chair, as well as Jakarta's initiatives in ASEAN agendas as a contribution to promoting peace and development throughout the region. Vietnam and Indonesia share the same stance in terms of addressing regional challenges.

Co-operative ties are in the process of being increasingly consolidated and developed, as reflected in comprehensive and diversified co-operation across multiple fields such as agriculture, defence, science and technology, economy, education, fishing, and tourism.

In particular, tourism looks set to be a promising field of co-operation in the near future with great potential, such as large-scale population and stable economic growth. In addition, there are many potential areas that the two countries can exploit and will seek to develop in the future.

Referring to Southeast Asian parliamentary co-operation, Anjaiah assessed that the Vietnamese side has played an important role in AIPA's initiatives and resolutions over recent years, as well as in-depth discussions on AIPA's prioritised areas, including ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Vietnam has always been an active and proactive member in terms of implementing AIPA resolutions, he added.

Anjaiah said that AIPA-44, with the theme “Responsive Parliaments for a Stable and Prosperous ASEAN”, is expected to adopt 34 resolutions, of which three are being proposed by Vietnam, with a focus on addressing key regional challenges and stepping up co-operation among AIPA members.

These documents clearly demonstrate Vietnamese enthusiasm for promoting innovation, science and technology development, digital transformation, and women's empowerment.

Anjaiah expressed his hope that, at the upcoming AIPA-44 General Assembly, the country will continue to affirm its leading and pioneering role in initiatives and resolutions, including building the ASEAN community, enhancing ASEAN's central role in the region, as well as strengthening parliamentary co-operation of countries.

Regarding the Vietnamese role in ASEAN, Anjaiah said that since becoming an official member of this regional association back in 1995, the regional bloc has been an integral part of Vietnamese foreign policy.

The country has affirmed its important role in promoting ASEAN to increasingly show its position, role, and influence in the region and in the world.

Together with Indonesia, both countries have made great contributions to ASEAN and are fully committed to promoting ASEAN's role in the face of global challenges.

Both have similar perceptions regarding settling disputes by peaceful means, in line with international rules, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).