Veeramalla Anjaiah, senior researcher at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) in Indonesia. (Photo: VNA)

Talking to reporters ahead of President Phuc’s visit to Indonesia from December 21-23, the researcher said that in the fast changing world, both Indonesia and Vietnam are looking for new approaches and ways to deepen their cooperation and friendship to ensure peace, stability and economic development in the region.

Veeramalla, who is also a senior journalist of the Jakarta Post and author of prestigious studies on regional issues emphasized, that: “The friendship between both countries is solid and very old. They are not only very good old friends, maritime neighbours but also strategic partners. Vietnam is a trusted friend of Indonesia.”

According to the scholar, during the visit, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and President Phuc are scheduled to discuss the entire gamut of bilateral relations, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in the East Sea and several other regional as well as international issues.

The two leaders will also discuss ways and means to boost bilateral trade and expand cooperation in various fields, investment opportunities in both countries and ways to promote people-to-people links through tourism.

The progress of bilateral negotiations about exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundary and Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship will also be high on the agenda of the two leaders' meetings.

The two leaders will review the strategic partnership between the countries, which will be 10 years-old next year, Veeramalla said, adding that he expected after the visit of President Phuc, the strategic relations between the two countries will reach new heights.