Welcoming his guest at the reception, the Government leader affirmed Vietnam and Indonesia are both members of ASEAN, sharing close bilateral ties and mutual support in regional and international matters.

Congratulating Vietnam on recent socio-economic growth, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated Vietnam is a development model that his country can learn from, particularly in reducing poverty and overpopulation.

He informed his host of the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Indonesia this October.

He said Indonesian President Joko Widodo suggested the organisation of an ASEAN leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the event with expectation for support from the bloc member states. The official conveyed Widodo’s invitation to the meeting to PM Phuc.

The host said Vietnam has also learned from Indonesia, particularly in developing sea economy.  

He noted room for bilateral cooperation remains large as both are top populous nations in the ASEAN regions.

Highlighting cultural similarities between the two countries, the PM said he believes their relations would continue to thrive.

He underscored Vietnam’s stance on maintaining peace, marine security and safety in the East Sea, and settling disputes on the waters by peaceful measures in line with international law.-VNA