VOV.VN - Vietnam will continue working hand in hand with Indonesia to foster the bilateral strategic partnership toward effectiveness, practical outcomes and mutual benefits, has said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (L)
greets Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.

He made the statement at a meeting with Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi on June 21 on the margins of the ongoing 34th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

The Vietnamese diplomat congratulated Indonesia on its successful presidential and parliamentary elections with the impressive victory of President Joko Widodo.

The two ministers hailed the recent progress in bilateral ties and consented to step up closer coordination in preparation for high-level visits and meetings between the two countries, which they regarded as a foundation to enhance political trust and cooperation orientations.

They concurred to promote collaboration between Vietnamese and Indonesian ministries, sectors and localities, improve bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and deal with existing problems in the hope of maintaining the development and stability of bilateral ties.

Both diplomats also exchanged experience on sustainable economic development, particularly regarding the marine economy, stating that cooperation in managing and conserving marine resources is a pillar of the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership.

They also agreed to continue accelerating negotiations to demarcate overlapping exclusive economic zones between the two nations, creating a legal basis to effectively manage their territorial waters and augmenting international cooperation.

They were of the same mind about coordination in exchanging information on fishermen and fishing vessels, as well as settling differences based on the humanitarian spirit, the strategic partnership, and the ASEAN solidarity.

In the face of global complicated developments and strong competition among major countries, Vietnam and Indonesia need to strengthen mutual support and cooperation in terms of stances and policies, particularly in 2020 when both are non-permanent members of the UN Security Council and Vietnam takes over the ASEAN Chairmanship.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two ministers pledged to continue increasing cooperation and sharing stances and viewpoints with each other and with other ASEAN member states to keep solidarity and a common voice, and ensure peace, security and stability in the East Sea.

They also vowed to speed up the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as the finalization of a practical, effective, and comprehensive Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.