Vietnam and Indonesia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
The decision followed a state visit by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam to Indonesia, which started on Sunday and ended on Tuesday. Lam was welcomed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The two leaders engaged in discussions marked by a strong sense of collaboration and reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to longstanding friendship and comprehensive cooperation. They highlighted the steady expansion of their strategic partnership, established in 2013, which now covers a broad range of sectors, including security, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
“With the elevation of bilateral relations to a higher level, both leaders are committed to advancing ties into a new chapter,” a joint statement said on Tuesday.
“They pledged to deepen relations in all channels, including between people to people and business communities. They also committed to strengthening political trust, enhancing cooperation, and coordinating efforts to address global challenges based on respect for international law, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.”
Seeds sprouting
Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1955.
Over the past 70 years, the relationship has evolved into the 2013 strategic partnership. This partnership has been reinforced through frequent high-level exchanges, including visits to Vietnam in 2024 by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, in early January, and President-elect Prabowo Subianto, in September.
Vietnamese leaders, including President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, also engaged with Indonesia’s leadership at major international summits such as APEC and the G20.
The two nations have made strong progress on key regional and international issues in recent years, particularly within ASEAN and on maritime security, which took the fore during March’s state visit.
In 2022, the two countries finalized an agreement to demarcate their exclusive economic zones. The accord remains a cornerstone of maritime stability in the South China Sea.
Since its ratification in 2022, the EEZ demarcation has provided a clear legal framework for managing maritime resources and has helped reduce tensions between the two nations, setting an encouraging example for other Southeast Asian states engaged in similar disputes.
“[Vietnam and Indonesia] underscored the importance of resolving disputes peacefully through legal and diplomatic means, in full compliance with international law,” the joint statement said, “both sides called on all parties to adhere to international law, exercise self-restraint, and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.”
The South China Sea is subject to multiple overlapping territorial claims from several countries, leading to ongoing disputes in the region. The 2022 agreement between Vietnam and Indonesia is seen as somewhat pioneering for stability in the region.
The primary claimants of the ocean area include China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia.
Economic and trade ties on the rise
Vietnam and Indonesia, both emerging economies in Southeast Asia, have historically experienced periods of economic competition, particularly as they vie to attract foreign investment and boost exports in similar sectors.
However, economic cooperation between the two countries has seen remarkable growth, underscoring a shared commitment to economic integration and reflecting a broader trend of regional collaboration within ASEAN. Indonesia ranks as Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while Vietnam is Indonesia’s fourth-largest.
In the first 11 months of 2024, Vietnam and Indonesia’s bilateral trade turnover reached approximately USD15.15 billion, marking a nearly 20% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to VnEconomy.
VnEconomy is the online platform of the news service Vietnam Economic Times Group.
Vietnam’s exports to Indonesia during this period amounted to USD5.69 billion, reflecting a 22% rise, as reported by Vietnam Customs. For the entire year of 2024, the total bilateral trade turnover is expected to have surpassed USD16 billion, VnEconomy said.
In January last year, Indonesian former president Joko Widodo and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to work toward reaching USD18 billion in two-way trade by 2028.
Cultural diplomacy: an orchestral tribute to 70 Years
As part of the celebrations, the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra from the Vietnam National Academy of Music performed a special orchestral concert in Jakarta on Sunday.
The concert featured a blend of traditional Vietnamese instruments, folk melodies, and popular songs from both countries.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the role of cultural exchanges in fostering mutual understanding, the Vietnam Government Portal said on Monday.
The 70th anniversary celebrations mark not just a historical milestone, but also a stepping stone toward a more integrated and prosperous future for Vietnam and Indonesia in the region.
