Vietnam, Indonesia strengthen defence cooperation

Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 14 for Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi.

The two sides shared the view that bilateral ties between the two armies have been deepened with practical results in several fields such as the exchange of delegations, training and naval cooperation, especially since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing cooperation among defence officials and relevant activities in October 2010, and a joint vision statement between the two defence ministries for the 2017-2022 period.

Giang spoke highly of Indonesia’s position and role as well as its active and proactive participation in promoting ASEAN collaboration, contributing to strengthening the internal solidarity and improving the bloc’s stature on the regional and global arena.

On the East Sea issue, the minister affirmed that Vietnam supports countries’ rights to maritime freedom in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He suggested Vietnam and Indonesia’s competent forces at sea increase the exchange of information via existing mechanisms to effectively deal with contingencies, including fishermen-related issues, and avoid unnecessary misunderstanding, helping to accelerate negotiations on the delimitation of exclusive economic zones between the two countries.

Abdi, for his part, expressed his belief that the minister will continue making important contributions to further boosting the strategic partnership between the two nations in general and the two defence ministries in particular.

In the near future, the two sides pledged to hold online consultations and dialogues while reinforcing cooperation between law enforcement forces at sea to effectively address arising matters, especially issues related to fishermen./.