Vietnam, Indonesia agree to lift two-way trade to US$10 billion

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla in Jakartar, Indonesia on July 21 (source: Zing News)

The agreement was reached during the meeting between Vietnamese Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla in Jakartar, Indonesia on July 21.

Both sides agreed to actively seek opportunities for economic cooperation to raise the two-way trade value to US$10 billion next year, continue accelerating defense and security ties.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate closely in maintaining ASEAN solidarity and unity and in promoting common voice and central role of the bloc in regional issues.

The two leaders underlined the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea; settling disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea; respecting diplomatic and legal processes.

The two leaders answering press interview (source: Zing News)

The two countries called on relevant parties to exercise self-restraint and take no action that may further complicate or escalate disputes, fully and strictly implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and closely coordinate in early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in East Sea.

At the press briefing following the meeting, Vice President Jusuf Kalla said Vietnam plays an important role on ASEAN and Asia-Pacific.

Indonesia expects stronger ties in various fields with Vietnam and supports Vietnam to successfully host the APEC Year, said Vice President Jusuf.

He also said Indonesia welcomes Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to visit his country in August this year.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM Hue stated Vietnam attaches importance to the relationship with Indonesia and welcomes President Joko Widodo to Vietnam to attend the APEC high-level economic leaders’ week in Da Nang City this November./.

( VNF/VGP )