Vietnam’s General Secretary To Lam to Visit Indonesia to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, is set to make an official visit to Indonesia from March 9–11, 2025, aiming to further strengthen bilateral ties.

During his visit, To Lam will hold discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to explore cooperation in key areas such as economy, diplomacy, defense, and culture. The visit holds special significance as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on December 30, 1955. Over the years, both countries have worked to enhance their traditional friendship and strategic partnership, which has led to increased collaboration in trade, security, and regional affairs.

Economic and Trade Cooperation

Vietnam and Indonesia have witnessed substantial economic growth, with bilateral trade turnover nearly tripling in the past decade. Trade volume increased from US$8.07 billion in 2020 to US$16 billion in 2024, making Indonesia Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in ASEAN. Both countries aim to reach US$18 billion in trade by 2028.

New areas of cooperation are also emerging, including green economy, renewable energy, semiconductor technology, and digital transformation. The two sides are also keen to boost halal food exports and expand collaboration in electric vehicle production.

Regional and Strategic Cooperation

Vietnam and Indonesia have closely coordinated on regional and international issues, particularly through ASEAN, the United Nations, and APEC. They have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, emphasizing adherence to international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Both nations are working towards finalizing the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea to ensure regional security and economic stability. Additionally, they continue to cooperate on maritime security, defense, and people-to-people exchanges, particularly among young leaders.

A Vision for the Future

As both Vietnam and Indonesia aim to become developed nations by 2045, they are committed to enhancing their strategic partnership. Talks during this visit will likely pave the way for upgrading their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, further unlocking cooperation in trade, defense, tourism, and emerging industries.

The visit marks an important step in deepening Vietnam-Indonesia ties, reinforcing their shared commitment to regional peace, economic prosperity, and long-term collaboration.