The defence ministries of Vietnam and Indonesia are going to sign a joint vision statement on defence cooperation for 2017-2022 during an upcoming Indonesia visit by Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich.

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (L) and Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu at their meeting in Jakarta on August 23

The consensus was reached by Vietnam’s Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh and Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu in Jakarta on August 23.

At the meeting, held in the framework of an official visit to the archipelago nation by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the two sides expressed their delight at the outcomes of bilateral defence cooperation in recent years, saying that the development of Vietnam-Indonesia friendship as a good condition to enhance cooperation in multiple spheres, including defence.

They agreed to make efforts to boost substantive defence relations, stressing cooperation between their navies, air forces and coast guard forces, personnel training, UN peacekeeping operations, and counter-terrorism.

As both Vietnam and Indonesia have sea borders, cooperation in sea security, fishermen support, and search and rescue at sea should be promoted in the time ahead, the officers added.

Also on August 23, a bilateral meeting was held between Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Lt. Gen. Nguyen Quang Dam and head of the maritime security agency of Indonesia (BAKAMLA) Laksdya Tni Ari Soedewo.

The Indonesian officer emphasised that BAKAMLA and VCG need to support the two Government’s efforts in negotiating the boundaries of the countries’ exclusive economic zones. He said the Indonesian side is ready to negotiate with Vietnam and respects the legitimate rights of Vietnam and other countries.

Commander Dam said stability, security and order at sea relate to both countries and the region. He stressed the importance of communications to prevent fishermen’s violations while enforcing law at sea.

The commander urged that Vietnam and Indonesia step up the establishment of a cooperation mechanism regarding search, rescue and fishermen support. Both sides should absolutely not use force against fishermen or have acts affecting fishermen’s health and bodies, Dam said.

The VCG welcomes BAKAMLA’s viewpoint of advising and supporting the two Governments’ negotiations on the exclusive economic zone boundaries, he added.

The same day, Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long also held a working session with the Minister of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia.

VNA