Vietnamese, Indonesian defence ministers hold talks in Hanoi
Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang held talks with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Hanoi on July 30 within the framework of the latter’s official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 30.
Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (right) and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Hanoi on July 30. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🍰– Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang held talks with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Hanoi on July 30 within the framework of the latter’s official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 30.
During the talks, Minister Giang emphasised that Vietnam and Indonesia are neighbouring countries sharing a maritime border and are both active, responsible members of the ASEAN Community.
According to the Vietnamese minister, the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March marked a historic milestone, ushering in a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, with political, defence, and security cooperation as key pillars.
Over the past time, bilateral defence cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia has yielded positive results, making an important contribution to strengthening political trust between the two nations, notably in delegations exchanges and meetings at all levels; collaboration among military services and maritime law enforcement forces; in defence industry; United Nations peacekeeping operations; and between strategic research institutions.
The two countries have also maintained consultations and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly ASEAN-led mechanisms and international events hosted by either side.
Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (right) and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin review the guard of honor of the Vietnam People's Army at the welcome ceremony for the latter in Hanoi on July 30. (Photo: VNA)
Giang congratulated Indonesia on the successful organisation of the 10th Indonesia International Defence Expo in June, and expressed thanks for Indonesia's participation in the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.
He proposed that both sides continue to strengthen the trusted, comprehensiveness and substantive cooperation in the time ahead, focusing on delegation exchanges and meetings at all levels; further promotion of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the defence policy dialogue; training cooperation; collaboration among military services and in defence industry; and closẻ consultations and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms and forums.
Underscoring the steady growth of bilateral defence cooperation built on mutual trust, Indonesian Minister Sjamsoeddin affirmed that his visit marks an important milestone in Indonesia–Vietnam defence ties. He suggested that the two ministries further promote cooperation in line with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia in March.
During the talks, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international situations and issues of mutual concern. Minister Giang reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance on resolving all disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means and in accordance with international law./.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
In ASEAN, Indonesia is Vietnam's third-largest trading partner, while Vietnam is Indonesia's fourth-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade exceeded 16 billion USD last year, with Vietnam's exports estimated at over 6 billion USD, the highest ever recorded.
Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam's spouse, Ngo Phuong Ly, expressed her hope that the RoK will share its experience and work with Vietnam to foster closer collaboration in cultural industry.
Eighty years since the historic autumn of 1945, the Vietnamese nation has overcome countless challenges to gain its independence and gradually develop thanks to the revolutionary path that is both resolute and flexible under the leadership of the Party.
Party General Secretary To Lam said since Vietnam and the RoK established their diplomatic ties in 1992 and upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, they have enjoyed expanded collaboration, delivering tangible benefits to their peoples and businesses.
The state visit to the RoK by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse was a great success, marking a significant milestone and opening a new chapter in the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In any circumstances, the Lao People’s Army will always stand shoulder to shoulder with its Vietnamese counterpart to safeguard both nations and nurture their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.
State President Luong Cuong sent a congratulatory message to President of the Republic of Ecuador Daniel Noboa on the occasion of the 216th National Day of the South American country (August 10).
Vietnam and the RoK should maintain regular exchanges at all levels, especially high level, across the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and people-to-people channels; expand cooperation in diplomacy, national defence-security, economy, and sci-tech; and effectively realise existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, said Party leader To Lam.
Party General Secretary Lam called on the RoK to help enhance the capacity of Vietnamese firms to integrate more deeply into the global supply chains of Korean companies, and to encourage Korean businesses to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure development, high-tech electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart cities.
Vietnamese brides in the Republic of Korea urged educational support, particularly access to Vietnamese language classes for their children, age-appropriate curricula, and resources for single mothers while meeting with Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam.
President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung emphasised that the first visit to the RoK by General Secretary Lam in his capacity as the top leader of Vietnam holds special significance as it creates strong momentum for enhancing mutual understanding, strengthening political trust, and further promoting the RoK – Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the next phase.
The supervision team urged the Government to promptly issue a national human resources development strategy until 2030, with a vision to 2050, and ensure sufficient funding for strategy implementation.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Vietnam reaffirmed its consistent stance of solving all disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The leaders noted that the two sides had agreed to turn scientific and technological cooperation into a pillar and a new highlight of bilateral relations.
This is a crucial session to consider and give opinions on a wide range of issues to be submitted to the NA's 10th sitting – the final of the current term, which will review the 2021–2026 tenure and prepare for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s first general election.
The signed documents include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on scientific and technological cooperation, an MoU on copyright and related rights cooperation, and another on strengthening collaboration in renewable energy.
Vietnam’s participation in AMNEX 3 demonstrates its commitment as a member of the ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM) and responds to the invitation of the Royal Malaysian Navy, showing support for multilateral international activities hosted by Malaysia.
Since the two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1992, the bilateral relationship has become a model of a very special, effective, and substantive partnership.
