HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Wednesday met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is paying a state visit to Việt Nam and attending the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN).

At the meeting, President Widodo lauded Việt Nam’s preparations for the WEF ASEAN 2018, which served as a foundation for the success of the event. He added it was an important event, offering huge opportunities for the development of creative industries and digital technology.

The two leaders expressed their delight at the development of the Việt Nam-Indonesia strategic partnership in the five years since its establishment. They also lauded the signing of an action programme on the implementation of the strategic partnership for 2019-23. 

Both leaders affirmed their determination to tap the two nations’ potential in economic co-operation to bring bilateral trade to US$10 billion in 2020 and towards an equal trade balance. Widodo welcomed Việt Nam’s export of agro-forestry-fishery products, steel and electronic products to Indonesia.

The two leaders also agreed to devise a suitable mechanism to handle problems and suggestions from businesses of both sides, creating favourable conditions for bilateral investment. 

PM Phúc and President Widodo consented to accelerate negotiations on the demarcation of the exclusive economic zones between the two countries in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). 

The two sides promised to co-operate to limit illegal fishing and affirmed that arrested fishermen and fishing vessels should be handled in a humanitarian spirit and in accordance with the two countries’ friendship and international law. On this occasion, President Widodo said Indonesia will return 155 Vietnamese fishermen who are detained in the country.

The two leaders agreed to increase consultations on regional and international issues, co-ordinate to build a united, self-reliant ASEAN and enhance ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.

They reiterated their consistent stance on the East Sea issue; ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation; settlement of disputes through peaceful measures and in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS; full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and acceleration of negotiations on a practical and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Party chief welcomes Indonesian President

On the same day, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Nguyễn Phú Trọng affirmed Việt Nam’s policy of attaching importance to strengthening ties with Indonesia, during his reception for Indonesian President Widodo.

He welcomed the visit to Việt Nam by President Widodo and highlighted its significance as the two countries enter a new stage of development after 63 years of diplomatic ties and five years of strategic partnership.

The Party chief asked both sides to boost co-operation across all fields, especially in trade, investment and cultural exchange, as well as within the framework of ASEAN and regional and international forums for peace, stability, co-operation and development.

President Widodo expressed his pleasure in meeting Party General Secretary Trọng again when he attended the WEF ASEAN. He said he was glad to witness Việt Nam’s recent achievements in socio-economic development under the leadership of the Communist Party of Việt Nam.

The President briefed the General Secretary on outcomes of his meetings with Presidents Trần Đại Quang and Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, while affirming Indonesia would closely co-ordinate with Việt Nam in maintaining peace, stability and co-operation in the region, as well as in building a strong and united ASEAN Community.

He expressed his wish to promote collaboration through the party, government and people channels in the time ahead, especially in the exchange of delegations.

On this occasion, Trọng, on behalf of the Party, Government and people of Việt Nam, extended deep sympathy on the great losses caused by recent earthquakes in Lombok to President Widodo, the government and people of Indonesia.  — VNS