Tet - great chance to foster Vietnam-Indonesia ties: diplomat

The traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival celebrated annually by the Vietnamese community in Indonesia has become an important cultural exchange activity to boost connection between both countries’ people, stated Ambassador to Indonesia Nguyen Xuan Thuy.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Jakarta has become a venue for more than 200 Vietnamese working and studying in Indonesia in Tet, during which they introduce to foreign friends gastronomic culture and traditional practices of Vietnam, he said.

Vietnam and Indonesia share many similarities in history, culture and custom, he noted, adding that both countries experienced harsh struggles for national independence and are acting as active members of ASEAN.

The Vietnam-Indonesia ties saw an important milestone in June 2013 when they became strategic partnership, said the diplomat, adding that the two sides are eyeing great chances to boost their affiliation in the economy, trade, investment and tourism, especially when they join the ASEAN Economic Community.

Since the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines opened a direct air route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta , people-to-people connections between the two sides have been further promoted, with a surge in the number of tourists visiting each others’ country, said Thuy.

At the same time, the sound cultural coordination is also a foundation for Vietnamese and Indonesian strengthen their links, contributing to the building of a Socio-Cultural Community, added the ambassador.

VNA/VOV.VN