Friendship Association Sets to Tighten Vietnam - Indonesia ties

The Vietnam - Indonesia Friendship Association under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) on Oct. 27 held the fourth National Congress of Delegates for the 2021-2026 term in a ceremony in Hanoi via both in-person and online formats.

The congress featured the participation of by Denny Abdi, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam, leaders of the Voice of the Vietnam (VOV) and VUFO, and representatives of relevant ministries, departments, and those of Vietnamese organizations, individuals and businesses having relations with Indonesia.

During the course of the event, delegates discussed and approved a review of the Association’s activities over the past 5 years, while outlining orientations for the 2021-2026 term. It also elected the Central Committee, the Standing Committee, the Inspection Committee and other key leadership positions.

Speaking at the congress, Nguyen Dang Quang, vice chairman of the friendship association said that the friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia was established by President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno as well as many previous generations. The hard work of the two leaders has laid a solid foundation and is a strong driving force for promoting and developing the two countries' relations in all fields of politics, economy, culture, society and people-to-people exchanges.

The traditional and close relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia and their peoples has been continuously consolidated and strongly developed. During the official state visit to Indonesia by President Truong Tan Sang in June 2013, the leaders of the two countries decided to officially upgrade the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia to strategic partnership. Vietnam becomes Indonesia's only strategic partner in the region.

The importance of people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Indonesia has been demonstrated by the Joint Statement dated June 28, 2013. On the occasion of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to Indonesia in August 2017, the Vietnam - Indonesia Friendship Association and the Indonesia - Vietnam Friendship Association had signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the two association for the 2017 - 2022 period.

The 4th congress is held via both in-person and online formats. Photo: Tuan Viet

According to the report at the congress, in the last term, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, people-to-people diplomacy activities and those of the Vietnam-Indonesia Friendship Association have changed in a suitable, proactive, flexible, creative, and effective manner, combining both traditional methods with specific methods in the new normal. The association has actively contributed to strengthening solidarity, friendship, and cooperation, and expanding exchanges within the new framework of the strategic partnership.

It, cooperated with the Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam as well as the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia, has promoted its role as a bridge, connecting the two countries' partners as a means of stepping up cooperation, taking advantage of resources for socio-economic development, and protecting national interests.

The association also regularly sent greetings and greetings to the people of Indonesia on important events; organizing visits, sharing and mobilizing the Vietnamese people to support the Indonesian people when facing natural disasters, storms, floods, calamities.

In the direction of operation for the term 2021-2026, the Vietnam - Indonesia Friendship Association has determined a practical action plan for the coming time focusing on six contents. Specifically:

First, innovating the content and mode of operation in the context of the new situation to continue to improve the efficiency, practicality and depth of the friendship and cooperation relationship with the Indonesian people, contributing to strengthening and promoting the strong development of relations, maintaining a peaceful and stable region.

Secondly, actively deploying and coordinating with the Indonesian association in continuing to promote the implementation of the contents and action programs for the 2017 - 2022 period according to the MoU un the basis of the actual situation and conditions permit. Preparing for the next stage of cooperation in response to Covid-19, together with ASEAN to overcome the pandemic.

Third, stepping up and continuing to promote role as a bridge between the two countries' partners, especially in economic, trade and tourism cooperation, to soon achieve the goal of USD 10 billion in two-way trade; and increase the possibility of mutual investment, resumption and development of tourism after the pandemic. On the one hand, make the most of external resources to enhance economic development, and at the same time, meet the needs of economic recovery.

Fourth, strengthening contact and coordination with the Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam and Indonesian partners in organizing and conducting seminars, exchange talks in various fields to provide market information and strengthen partnerships, understand each other's needs, and promote cooperation potentials. Encouraging and promoting exchange channels between Vietnamese cities and provinces that have twin ties with Indonesian localities.

Fifth, coordinating with Vietnamese and Indonesian agencies and organizations, the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia to organize a series of activities on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025 and other important events.