Indonesia, Vietnam aim for US$10 billion bilateral trade

 Vietnam and Indonesia are determined to raise two-way trade turnover to US$10 billion in 2018 as agreed by the two countries’ leaders. 

The target was set at talks between Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in Hanoi on April 3 during which they examined ways to augment cooperative relations in the future.

The two sides pledged to working closely on activities to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties and agreed on measures to effectively cooperate in economics, science and technology.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two diplomats affirmed the importance of assuring peace, security, navigation and aviation freedom in the East Sea (South China Sea) and resolving disputes based on international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

They also called on all concerned parties to fully respect the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), exercise restraint and avoid actions that worsen the situation and soon establish a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Meeting the Indonesian guest the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said Vietnam and Indonesia are two neighboring countries and ASEAN members while hoping Indonesia will provide humanitarian treatment for Vietnamese fishermen and boats violating Indonesia’s territorial waters. 

The Vietnamese leader affirmed Vietnam's willingness to work with Indonesia to address arising issues related to this.

Agreeing with PM Dung’s suggestion, Marsudi said her country will work hand in hand with Vietnam to resolve all arising problems. 

Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesian President Joko Widodo has always attached importance to developing ties with Vietnam as the nation is the only ASEAN country that has established a strategic partnership with Indonesia.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the Indonesian Minister affirmed that her country backs the strict and full respect of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and the early building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

VOV