Vietnam and Indonesia Issue Joint Statement to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam and Indonesia have officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic ties. The decision was announced on Monday during the state visit of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Tô Lâm to Indonesia at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto.

In a Joint Statement on Strengthening Bilateral Relations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors, including politics, security, defense, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, maritime cooperation, education, and technology. The upgrade in relations coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Strengthening Economic and Strategic Cooperation

Both sides agreed to expand economic cooperation, setting a bilateral trade target of $18 billion by 2028. The leaders emphasized new areas of collaboration, including green economy, food and energy security, Halal industries, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and finance. Additionally, both countries pledged to support each other’s efforts to achieve high-income country status by their respective 100th anniversaries of independence in 2045.

On regional and global issues, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN unity, resilience, and inclusiveness, as well as closer coordination in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and APEC. They emphasized ASEAN’s Vision 2045 and the importance of sub-regional cooperation, including in the Mekong sub-region.

Commitment to Maritime Security and Regional Stability

Discussing developments in the East Sea (South China Sea), both sides reiterated their support for freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They stressed the importance of peaceful dispute resolution and called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Both leaders instructed their respective Foreign Ministries to develop a Plan of Action for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, ensuring tangible outcomes for mutual benefit.

At the conclusion of the visit, General Secretary Tô Lâm expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s hospitality and extended an invitation for President Prabowo Subianto to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time. President Prabowo accepted the invitation with pleasure.

The elevation of ties between Vietnam and Indonesia underscores their shared vision for regional peace, stability, and prosperity, strengthening their role as key partners in Southeast Asia.