Việt Nam-Indonesia Relations Strengthened Through Strategic Partnership

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Việt Nam is committed to advancing its strategic partnership with Indonesia to new heights, according to National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn. During a meeting on Wednesday with Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (upper house) H. Mahyudin, Chairman Mẫn emphasized Việt Nam’s dedication to deepening bilateral relations.

Chairman Mẫn extended his congratulations to Indonesia for successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Rotating Chairman and Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Council (AIPA) in 2023. He also lauded Indonesia for its successful general election in February and its significant achievements in economic development and social security.

Highlighting the cooperation between the legislative bodies of both countries, Mẫn noted that they have shared legislative experiences and established a legal framework to enhance bilateral collaboration across various sectors. Both nations have also coordinated and supported each other in international and regional forums, particularly within ASEAN, AIPA, and the United Nations.

Mẫn identified considerable potential for further cooperation between Việt Nam and Indonesia. He proposed that both sides should work together to implement the economic cooperation agreement, with the goal of increasing bilateral trade turnover to $18 billion by 2028. He also urged the swift implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on fishery cooperation signed in January, aiming to strengthen fisheries cooperation, promote sustainable fishery and aquaculture, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Vietnamese legislator expressed his hope for increased high-level exchanges and meetings, and enhanced experience-sharing between the legislative bodies, particularly among specialized committees, parliamentary friendship groups, and female and young parliamentarians.

Deputy Speaker Mahyudin expressed optimism for a closer relationship between the two countries, especially between the Senate of Indonesia and the National Assembly of Việt Nam. He emphasized that inter-parliamentary cooperation is a solid foundation for strengthening bilateral relations and expanding the strategic partnership.

Mahyudin echoed Mẫn’s aspirations for boosting bilateral trade turnover to $18 billion by 2028. He highlighted the need to concretize goals to enhance regional competitiveness, particularly in the fields of the digital economy and renewable energy, and to create conducive conditions and legal frameworks for businesses from both countries to thrive.

He concluded by expressing hope that Việt Nam and Indonesia will continue to work closely and cooperate to overcome regional and global challenges, further solidifying their strategic partnership.