VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam would exert all efforts to boost its friendship and multifaceted relations with Indonesia for the benefit of the two countries' people, and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Party General Secretary and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong made the statement at a reception for a delegation from the Indonesian House of Representatives, headed by its Vice Speaker Pramono Anung Wibowo, in Ha Noi yesterday, March 22.

The Indonesian legislative leader said Indonesia wished to bolster relations with Viet Nam in politics, trade and investment.

Yesterday the Indonesian delegation was also received by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung.

During their meeting, Hung said there were many reasons to believe in more fruitful co-operative ties between the two countries, and added that the two countries were mapping out a joint action plan for the 2011-14 period to expand co-operation in a wide range of areas, including national defence, culture, education and sports.

The two sides were making great efforts to raise two-way trade to surpass last year's level of US$3.3 billion, he said.

Indonesia currently ranks fifth among ASEAN nations investing in Viet Nam

The official said he considered similarities in history, economics and culture as a basis to beef up bilateral relations.

He expressed his hope that agreements signed between the two nations would soon be executed, thus contributing to each country's development as well as solidarity, co-operation and development in the region.

The delegation also had a meeting yesterday with National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien.

Kien proposed that both sides promptly complete negotiations and sign the Viet Nam-Indonesia Action Programme for the 2011-14 period, then look towards a future of comprehensive friendly co-operation.

The signing of co-operative agreements between the two legislatures had created important legal foundations for enhancing the relationship between the two National Assemblies, their agencies and peoples, he said.

Kien said he hoped both sides would continue to implement co-operative agreements on defence, security and fisheries, and settle issues related to fishermen in the spirit of traditional friendship and humanity.

Pramono said Indonesia would prioritise the settlement of fishermen's issues based on the spirit of friendship and wanted to enhance fisheries co-operation with Viet Nam, as Indonesia was home to large territorial waters and Vietnamese fishermen were good at fisheries.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News