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Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien co-chairs the fourth Vietnam - Indonesia Defense Policy Dialogue. |
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Lt. Gen. Tri Budi Utomo at the event |
Gen. Chien emphasized that 2025 marks a particularly significant milestone in bilateral relations as Vietnam and Indonesia are looking forward to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties (December 30, 1955 - 2025). Notably, during the state visit to Indonesia by Party General Secretary To Lam in March 2025, the two countries elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Gen. Utomo underscored the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, with defense cooperation as one of the pillars. He reaffirmed that Indonesia attaches importance to the fourth Vietnam - Indonesia Defense Policy Dialogue, the sixth meeting of the Joint Working Group on Military and Defense Cooperation, and the fourth meeting of Joint Working Group on Defense Industry Cooperation between the two sides.
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An overview of the dialogue |
At the event, both sides agreed to strengthen reliable, comprehensive, and substantive defense cooperation. Accordingly, all-level delegation exchanges and high-level contacts will be maintained to consult and share views on strategic issues and map out orientations for a more trusted, intensive, and practical defense ties. Existing cooperation mechanisms such as the Defense Policy Dialogue and service-to-service consultations will be promoted effectively.
In addition, the two sides will continue to enhance cooperation in training and between arms and services, especially between maritime law enforcement forces, through information sharing, exchanges of expertise and young officers, port calls, collaboration in addressing non-traditional security challenges. While boosting defense industry cooperation, they will also actively foster cooperation in potential areas such as logistics, military medicine, search and rescue, and U.N. peacekeeping.
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The two delegations in a group photo |
During the dialogue, the two sides underlined the importance of ensuring freedom, security, and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (aka South China Sea). They stressed the need to promote commitment to and implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and accelerate the finalization of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) consistent with international law, including the UNCLOS 1982.
The two sides then signed the minutes of the dialogue.
On the same day, at the Indonesian Ministry of Defense’s headquarters, Gen. Chien met with his Indonesian counterpart Lt. Gen. Donny Ermawan, during which the guest briefed his host upon the outcomes of the aforementioned dialogue, noting the many important agreements reached in bilateral defense cooperation. Gen. Chien hoped that Deputy Minister Donny Ermawan would continue to support and promote the implementation of the agreed cooperation areas.
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Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien meets with his Indonesian counterpart Lt. Gen. Donny Ermawan. |
The Indonesian defense leader affirmed his commitment to advancing Vietnam - Indonesia defense cooperation in a substantive manner, with emphasis on naval, air force, and coast guard cooperation, as well as training. He particularly stressed the importance of maritime security cooperation, assistance for fishermen, and joint search and rescue operations at sea in the time ahead.
Reported by Kieu Trinh (from Jakarta, Indonesia)
Translated by Mai Huong