Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang held talks with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Hanoi on July 30 within the framework of the latter’s official visit to Vietnam from July 29 to 30.
During the talks, Minister Giang emphasised that Vietnam and Indonesia are neighbouring countries sharing a maritime border and are both active, responsible members of the ASEAN Community.
According to the Vietnamese minister, the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March marked a historic milestone, ushering in a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries, with political, defence, and security cooperation as key pillars.
Over the past time, bilateral defence cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia has yielded positive results, making an important contribution to strengthening political trust between the two nations, notably in delegations exchanges and meetings at all levels; collaboration among military services and maritime law enforcement forces; in defence industry; United Nations peacekeeping operations; and between strategic research institutions.
The two countries have also maintained consultations and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly ASEAN-led mechanisms and international events hosted by either side.
Giang congratulated Indonesia on the successful organisation of the 10th Indonesia International Defence Expo in June, and expressed thanks for Indonesia's participation in the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.
He proposed that both sides continue to strengthen the trusted, comprehensiveness and substantive cooperation in the time ahead, focusing on delegation exchanges and meetings at all levels; further promotion of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the defence policy dialogue; training cooperation; collaboration among military services and in defence industry; and closẻ consultations and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms and forums.
Underscoring the steady growth of bilateral defence cooperation built on mutual trust, Indonesian Minister Sjamsoeddin affirmed that his visit marks an important milestone in Indonesia–Vietnam defence ties. He suggested that the two ministries further promote cooperation in line with the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established during Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia in March.
During the talks, the two sides also exchanged views on regional and international situations and issues of mutual concern. Minister Giang reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance on resolving all disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means and in accordance with international law./.
