The official visit to Indonesia by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Sept. 13-14 laid a new milestone in advancing the two countries’ ties toward the strategic partnership, in the interest of both peoples and for peace, stability, cooperation, development and prosperity in the region and the world.

The outstanding outcome of the visit is the attainment of a common perception on many important issues between PM Dung and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said in an interview, adding that they agreed to promote the two countries’ ties toward a strategic partnership.

“This not only meets the aspirations and interests of the two countries’ people, but also benefits peace, stability, cooperation, development and prosperity in the region and the world,” Minh told reporters after the PM’s Indonesia visit ended.

During the visit, the two sides signed the Vietnam-Indonesia Action Programme for the 2012-2015 to implement the Joint Statement on Friendship and Comprehensive Cooperation Framework between the two countries and a memorandum of understanding on joint activities to promote information exchange and bilateral consultation between the two foreign ministries.

This will be a legal basis for ministries and agencies of Vietnam and Indonesia to carry out their cooperation in specific fields, the Minister said.

The two sides also issued a joint communique at the end of the visit, he added.

Regarding bilateral relations, PM Dung and President Susilo discussed practical measures to promote ties between the two countries and agreed that Vietnam and Indonesia cooperated and coordinated effectively in many fields over the past time.

They reached consensus on accelerating the implementation of the joint committee mechanism on bilateral cooperation at foreign ministerial level, which will meet every two years, and targeting 5 billion USD in two-way trade before 2015.

On regional and international issues, the two sides shared the common viewpoint on maintaining peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the East Sea , strictly implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and working towards building the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The Vietnamese PM and the Indonesian President highly valued the close coordination and cooperation between the two countries at international and regional forums, Minh said.

Vietnam congratulated Indonesia on its successful undertaking of the role of ASEAN Chair, he said, affirming that the country always supports and closely works with Indonesia and believes the neighbouring country will fulfill its role as ASEAN Chair 2011.

Relating to prospect for bilateral cooperation, Minister Minh said the two countries have potential for development and the two governments are exerting efforts to bring the Vietnam-Indonesia relations to a new height toward the formation of a strategic partnership.

The contents are described in details in the Joint Communique and the Vietnam-Indonesia Action Programme for the 2012-1015 signed during the visit, he said./.