During the talks, PM Dung proposed that Vietnam and Indonesia soon conduct negotiations on border demarcation to define the sea boundaries of each side’s special economic zones and sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in commercial fishing and joint sea patrols. He expressed delight at the development of Vietnam-Indonesia relations in all areas including politics, economics, investment and education.
He spoke highly of Indonesia’s coordination with Vietnam at regional and international forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Europe Meeting and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.
He confirmed that Vietnam regards Indonesia as an important partner in the region and hopes that it will continue to support Vietnam when the country assumes the presidency of ASEAN in 2010.
FM Marty Natalegawa said he believes relations between the two countries will be further developed in future, and confirmed Indonesia ’s support for Vietnam as ASEAN chair next year.
Later the same day, Vietnamese FM Pham Gia Khiem met with his Indonesian counterpart. The two ministers agreed to hold the 3rd political consultative meeting between deputy foreign ministers of both countries in Jakarta.
The newly elected foreign minister of Indonesia will wrap up his two-day visit to Vietnam on November 26.