 Vietnam's Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang presides over the welcoming ceremony for Indonesian Minister of National Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Photo: Viet Trung/People's Army |
General Giang chaired a welcoming ceremony for the Indonesian Defense Ministry delegation led by Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who is on a two-day official visit to Vietnam. The visit aims to maintain high-level contacts, contribute to strengthening the good friendship between the two countries and the two armies, towards the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic relations (December 30).
 Vietnam Ministry of National Defense delegation at the meeting. Photo: Viet Trung/People's Army |
During the talks after the welcoming ceremony, Minister Giang proposed the direction of cooperation between the two ministries, stressing the need to continue to strengthen the relationship of trust, comprehensiveness and substance.
He suggested strengthened cooperation in training and military services as well as the defense industry; close consultation and support for each other at multilateral mechanisms and forums.
The Minister expressed his hope that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense will support Vietnam's efforts to get the European Commission's "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood lifted.
 Indonesian Defense Ministry delegation at the meeting. Photo: Viet Trung/People’s Army |
Discussing the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern, including maritime issues, the Vietnamese Defense Minister affirmed Vietnam's consistent stance of resolving all disagreements in the East Sea by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
He stressed the need to effectively and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), promptly conclude negotiations and sign an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law.
 View of the meeting. Photo: Viet Trung/People's Army |
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the delegation's visit to Vietnam this time is an important milestone in the defense cooperation between the two countries. He suggested that the Indonesian and Vietnamese Defense Ministries boost cooperation to match the two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.