Illustrative image (Photo: Internet) Hanoi (VNA) – The welcoming of Indonesian President Joko Widodo for a state visit to Vietnam underscores Vietnam's consistentpolicy of treasuring relations with neighbouring countries and ASEAN, includingIndonesia, said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang.
Respondingto reporters' inquiries at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoion January 11, Hang said that the visit, scheduled from January 11-13 at theinvitation of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, underscores the robust andpositive growth of the traditional friendship and strategic partnership betweenVietnam and Indonesia.
Hanghighlighted the substantial progress in two-way trade between the countries,with Indonesia ranking as Vietnam's third largest trade partner in ASEAN, whileVietnam is the fourth biggest of Indonesia. Theexchange of all-level delegations has been a regular practice, especiallyduring 2023 when they marked the 10th anniversary of their strategicpartnership.
Cooperationin vital sectors like transportation, agriculture, people-to-people exchange,and regional connectivity is on the rise, rebounding from the challenges posedby the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, adding that the two countries have closely coordinatedon stances at global and regional forums like ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC,and the Non-Aligned Movement.
AboutPresident Widodo's agenda during the visit, she said he will hold talks withPresident Vo Van Thuong, have meetings with other high-ranking Vietnameseleaders, and engage in various important activities.
According to her, discussions between the leaders of the twocountries will encompass diverse areas such as the economy, trade, investment,national defence-security, transportation, and agriculture. The aim is to deepenand enhance the bilateral traditional friendship and strategicpartnership.
Both sides will also discuss global and regional issues ofshared concern, she said./.
