Strengthening Vietnam-Indonesia relations

Vietnam always wants to lift its bilateral relationship with Indonesia to a higher level, contributing to the building of the ASEAN Community for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement at a reception for the outgoing Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam, Pitono Purnomo, in Hanoi on August 18.

He congratulated Indonesia on its successful organisation of the 18^th ASEAN Summit and the 44^th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, expressing his belief that Indonesia will continue promoting its role as the ASEAN Chair 2011 and in improving the association’s status in the international community.

Mr Dung said he was pleased with fine developments of the Vietnam-Indonesia relationship in all fields and believed that the two sides will further boost bilateral cooperation in investment and tourism.

He said the two sides will strengthen joint naval patrols to maintain security and order in the waters between the two countries.

The PM suggested Indonesia consider treating Vietnamese fishermen apprehended in its waters in the spirit of humanity and friendship between the two countries.

He expressed hope that Ambassador Pitono Purnomo, in whatever position he holds in the future, will continue to make contributions to developing the bilateral ties.

For his part, the Indonesian ambassador spoke highly of Vietnam’s high economic growth, especially in the context of the global economic recession.

He said that the Indonesian side is preparing for the fourth joint patrol with the Vietnamese naval force in the East Sea.

Phu Tho receives coral from Truong Sa archipelago

The Naval High Command on August 18 presented pieces of coral as a gift from the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago to the Phu Tho provincial People’s Committee. 

Addressing the presentation ceremony, Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral and Political Commissar of the Vietnamese Navy Tran Thanh Huyen stressed that the pieces of coral are testimony to Vietnam’s inviolable sovereignty over its seas and islands. 

The gift aims to raise the local people’s responsibility for preserving and defending sea and island sovereignty, he added. 

The Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Hoang Dan Mac, said the province will conserve carefully the gift in order to educate its younger generation about the archipelago as part of Vietnam’s territory. 

On the occasion, the Naval High Command presented the province with a painting of Truong Sa sovereignty milestone. The province provided VND100 million to the fund “For beloved Truong Sa”.

Irish ambassador to Vietnam honoured with Friendship Order

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, on behalf of the Vietnamese State and Government, presented the Friendship Order to Irish ambassador to Vietnam Maeve Collins on August 18.

The award is in recognition of her positive contributions to developing the friendship and promoting multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Ireland.

The Irish diplomat expressed her great honour in receiving the order of distinction from Vietnam, while affirming that she will continue to positively contribute to strengthening the Vietnam-Ireland relationship.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA