Vietnam and Indonesia have affirmed their determination to further promote mutually beneficial cooperative relations, particularly in investment and trade.

The affirmation was made at talks between Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien and visiting Indonesian House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Pramono Anung Wibowo in Hanoi on March 22.

NA Vice Chairman Kien affirmed Vietnam attaches importance and wants to further all-around cooperative relations with Indonesia , an important partner in the region.

He proposed that both sides promptly complete negotiations and sign the Vietnam-Indonesia Action Programme for the 2011-2014 period, then look towards the two countries’ future comprehensive friendly cooperation.

The Vietnamese NA Vice Chairman said that bilateral trade and investment have recently increased, with two-way trade reaching 3.3 billion USD in 2010 and Indonesia ranking fifth among ASEAN nations investing in Vietnam .

The signing of cooperative agreements between the two legislatures has created important legal foundations for enhancing the relationship between the two NAs, their agencies and peoples, he said.

Kien highlighted the activities of the Vietnam-Indonesia Cooperation Joint Committee and proposed both sides closely coordinate to promptly organise the following meeting to carry out measures to develop the relationship.

He said he hoped both sides will continue implementing cooperative agreements on defence, security and fisheries cooperation, and the settlement of fishermen’s issues in the spirit of traditional friendship and humanity.

Vice Chairman Kien thanked Indonesia for its active support to Vietnam as ASEAN and AIPA Chair in 2010.

He spoke highly of Indonesia ’s achievements in national construction and development, its implementation of active policies, its early recovery from the global financial crisis and ability to overcome the aftermath of natural disasters, and wished Indonesia success with its ASEAN Chair leadership role in 2011.

Deputy Speaker Pramono, who is on a six-day official visit to Vietnam from March 20, affirmed a wish and determination to further promote exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

Pramono highlighted Vietnam ’s rice export potential and added that Indonesia has many big investors and wants Vietnam to continue supporting and facilitating Indonesia business investment and business activities.

He also said Indonesia would prioritise the settlement of fishermen’s issues based on the spirit of friendship and wanted to enhance fisheries cooperation with Vietnam , as Indonesia is home to large territorial waters and Vietnamese fishermen are good at fisheries.

At the talks, Pramono highlighted Vietnam ’s experiences in overcoming impacts of the global economic degradation and financial crisis, along with maintaining a strong growth rate and ensuring social security.

He laid stress on the need to enhance bilateral ties to overcome challenges, especially the current high fuel prices.

The Indonesian MP congratulated the 11 th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam on its success and offered his best wishes for the elections of the upcoming NA and for People's Council at all levels for the 2011-16 term./.