The 12-article deal also opens up affiliation opportunities for both countries in a number of areas, including flying safety, accident investigation, aviation security and environment.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang said the agreement aims to create favourable conditions for businesses of both sides to cooperate in opening new air routes and strengthening aviation services such as flight hire and maintenance services.

The deal is also expected to make travelling between the two countries easier, while promoting bilateral investment and trade ties, he said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Minister of Transport Liow Tiong Lai expressed his delight at the signing of the agreement 37 years after the signing of the first deal between the two sides in the area in 1978.

He stated that this is a good chance for both sides to enhance collaboration in the potential aviation sector, adding that with the new opportunities, the two sides can make their cooperation more effective, especially in resources building and information sharing.

Earlier, the two ministers had a bilateral meeting, during which Minister Thang said the two ministries should work more closely together to boost transport partnership to realise their potential and match the bilateral strategic partnership.

He asked Malaysia to share its experience in developing transport infrastructure and managing road, railway, maritime and aviation transport. He also hopes to learn from Malaysia’s lessons in ensuring maritime safety, leasing transport infrastructure and controlling traffic safety.

VNA