Vietnam, Indonesia look to stronger defence cooperation

Saturday, 14/10/2017 10:31
Vietnam and Indonesia signed a Declaration on Joint Vision on Defence Cooperation for 2017-2022 during talks between the two Defence Ministers on October 13th in Jakarta.

The declaration is designed to promote bilateral partnership in national defence, maintain security and stability in the region, protect international principles and law, and join hands to tackle non-traditional security threats and relevant risks.

It also specifies contents in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on stepping up cooperation among defence officials and related activities signed in October 2010, through which outlining directions for reinforcing the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership.


Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich affirmed Vietnam's desire strengthen traditional ties between the two armies and countries and greatly values Indonesia’s role in the region, especially in ASEAN.

The two sides shared the view that bilateral defence cooperation has obtained good results in according with the MoU signed in October 2010, particularly in the exchange of visits, joint activities of their naval, air and coast guard forces and training.

They consented to continue with full and effective implementation of contents in the MOU with a focus on the establishment of a defence policy dialogue mechanism and boosting collaboration in defence industry and other fields.

They pledged to continue with consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and in issues of shared concern.

Regarding the fishermen-related issue, Minister Lich suggested that until the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is fully demarcated, law enforcement agencies of the two countries should exchange information and properly deal with contingencies in the sphere to prevent regrettable incidents.

The Indonesian minister, in turn, assured that his ministry will partner with domestic ministries and agencies to handle the issue aiming to maintain the sound relationship with Vietnam.

A day earlier, the Vietnamese defence minister held a meeting with Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Wiranto, during which Lich asked the host to continue supporting and building bilateral defence ties a pillar in Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership.

Wiranto said the two countries struck an agreement on continental shelf delimitation in overlapping waters in 2003. During talks between Indonesian President Widodo and Vietnamese Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong in August 2017, the two sides concurred to further accelerate negotiations on EEZ demarcation.

He said he hopes negotiations would go smoothly and Indonesia wants to settle disputes by peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

During an official visit from October 11th-13th, Defence Minister Lich also met Commander of the Indonesian National Army, General Gatot Nurmanto./.

 

CPV/VOV

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