Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi have vowed to work for the target of raising two-way trade to 10 billion USD in 2018 from 5.4 billion USD last year, as agreed by top leaders of both countries.

During their talks in Hanoi on April 3 as part of Marsudi’s Vietnam visit from April 2-3, the two ministers concurred to increase consultations to settle all arising problems in the spirit of friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

Both sides expressed delight at the growing relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia as well as the two foreign ministries in particular over the past years, especially in politics, defence-security and economy.

In order to further foster the bilateral affiliation in the coming time, the two sides pledged to work closely in organising activities celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, while continue enhancing exchanges of delegation at all levels and channels from State, Government, National Assembly to people-to-people contacts.

Meanwhile, Vietnam and Indonesia will make full use of bilateral collaboration mechanisms such as the Joint Committee on Economic, Science and Technology Cooperation and Bilateral Cooperation Committee at Foreign Ministerial level.

The Indonesian foreign minister affirmed that the new Government of Indonesia continues paying great attention to strengthening ties with Vietnam .

The two sides agreed to continue with regular consultations between the two foreign ministries’ policy-making bodies, the exchange of information and cooperation on consular matters in line with the memorandum of understanding signed in 2011.

Regarding regional and international issues, both sides were pleased at bilateral coordination at regional and international forums, including the ASEAN, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Asia-Europe Meeting and United Nations.

Marsudi said Indonesia will support Vietnam in performing the role of APEC Chair in 2017.

They highlighted the importance of peace, stability, maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom in the East Sea as well as the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in conformity with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They called on all parties to strictly and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea , practice restraint and refrain from actions that can escalate tension, including the use and threat to use force or unilaterally changing the status quo in the region.

They also stressed the significance of building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea as soon as possible.-VNA