Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ (L) meets leader of the Indonesian ruling part, the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri in Jakarta. — VNA/VNS Photo Đỗ Quyên

JAKARTA — Việt Nam and Indonesia will continue to strengthen bilateral ties via high-level visits and meetings and fostering partnerships between Party, State and parliamentary agencies, senior officials agreed on Thursday.

People to people contacts will also be promoted, Deputy Prime Minister Vương Đình Huệ and leader of the Indonesian ruling part, the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri said in talks held in Jakarta.

The Deputy PM ends a three-day visit to Indonesia today.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations, especially their elevation to the status of strategic partnership in 2013.

Megawati recalled the positive impressions that she had gained during her visit to Việt Nam in 2003 as Indonesia’s President, during which the two sides signed a joint statement on a framework to further friendly and comprehensive partnerships as they entered the 21st century.

They also agreed on the delineation of continental shelf, laying a firm foundation for both sides to strengthen relations in major areas.

Megawati stressed that she would, in all positions, always support the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Deputy PM Huệ said Việt Nam highly valued the great contributions of late President Sukarno and Megawati to the growth of bilateral relations.

He stressed Việt Nam’s constant policy of treasuring its friendship and strategic partnership with Indonesia, and the country’s wish to further develop the ties in both bilateral and multilateral aspects.

He said this would contribute to reinforcing peace, ASEAN unity and promote the bloc’s central role in the region.

In the Deputy PM’s meeting with Thomas Lembong, Chairman of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, the two sides said they were glad at the growth in economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Indonesia currently ranks 30th among 119 countries and territories investing in Việt Nam, with 61 projects worth nearly US$500 million.

Both sides said they recognised the high potential for strengthening bilateral co-operation, especially in promising areas like infrastructure, energy, telecommunications and banking.

They agreed to encourage businesses of both countries to strengthen information sharing and foster connectivity, thus enhancing competitiveness of ASEAN enterprises and contributing to the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Deputy PM Huệ affirmed Việt Nam’s determination to renovate its economy and support the private sector, aiming to utilise all resources to improve its competitiveness and enhance global integration.

He suggested that Indonesia increase investment in Việt Nam.

Thomas Lembong said that Việt Nam’s hosting of the APEC Year 2017 was a good opportunity to foster solidarity and co-operation within ASEAN as well as between the bloc and its dialogue partners in the region.

Earlier the same day, Deputy PM Huệ delivered a speech at a seminar on geopolitical and economic transitions in the region.

He noted that the world was experiencing a new, large-scale power transition since early 21st century that would greatly affect countries in the region.

Việt Nam, Indonesia and ASEAN have similar socio-economic conditions, he said, stressing the need for the two countries and the grouping to strengthen co-operation to reinforce intra-bloc solidarity and co-ordination.

This is needed to cope with challenges, ensure security and meet development targets, contributing to peace, stability, co-operation and prosperity in the region, he added. — VNS