Themed “Achieving Sustainable Goals (SDGs) and Overcoming Development Gap through Regional and Global Collaborative Actions,” ALG has drawn the participation of leaders of ASEAN countries, the UN Secretary General, ASEAN Secretary General, Director of IMF and President of WB.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. (Photo: Vietnam+) |
ALG takes place in a context that the global economy is enjoying a higher growth rate but also facing more potential risks. Furthermore, the ongoing fourth industrial revolution has a widespread and profound impact on every aspect of life. In this circumstance, it objectively requires countries to enhance international cooperation via multilateral mechanisms in a practical and effective manner in order to successfully implement global agreements on development issues.
Accordingly, this ALG aims to exchange ideas, discuss orientations and measures to boost cooperation and coordination between ASEAN and UN, IMF and WB in an effort to reduce poverty, narrow development gaps and promote economic growth and regional integration.
Delegates at the event are also expected to discuss directions and approaches to realize the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 in interactions with the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as to cement the central role of ASEAN in the region. Under the schedule, ALG’s delegates also review ASEAN’s economic situation and prospect as well as challenges for the bloc in the current regional and global economic context; update results of their countries’ socio-economic development and share experience in promoting national socio-economic development, implementing SDGs and narrow development gaps; and recommend ASEAN orientations and solutions for economic development and implementation of SDGs.
As a proactive, active and responsible member of the ASEAN Community, Vietnam always contributes positively to addressing common issues. At this ALG, the Vietnamese delegation will participate actively in discussions; and at the same time, it will coordinate with other ASEAN countries to foster relations between ASEAN and UN, IMF and WB so as to create an impulse to step up the building of the ASEAN Community in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for SDGs, bridge development gaps, foster connectivity within ASEAN, maintain financial stability, and promote economic development and regional integration.
After ALG and the plenary session of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) - World Bank (WB) annual meetings, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will start his visit to Indonesia at the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The visit takes place at a time when the bilateral relations and cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia have been thriving. The bilateral relationship has been at a record high since the two countries officially established diplomatic relations on December 30, 1955.
In June 2013, the two countries issued a joint statement on the establishment of the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership, during the State visit to Indonesia of the then Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang.
In August 2017, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong paid an official visit to Indonesia. The first-ever visit of the Vietnamese Party chief to Indonesia turned over a new leaf in history of bilateral relations between the two countries. In September this year, Indonesian President Jodo Widodo paid a State visit to Vietnam, which was also seen as a hallmark in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Regarding trade and investment cooperation, the two-way trade turnover has continuously increased in recent years. In the first 8 months this year, two-way trade reached US$ 5.3 billion, up by 27% from the same time last year. As of June this year, Indonesia ran 71 projects valued at US$ 500 million in Vietnam, ranking fifth among ASEAN countries and thirtieth among the 126 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
Indonesia was a regional country that early established defense and security relations with Vietnam. In 1964, Indonesia opened its Defense Attaché Office in Hanoi and Vietnam opened its Defense Attaché Office in Jakarta in 1985. The two countries have so far signed a Joint Vision on Defense Cooperation in the 2017-20 period, an Agreement on Extradition of Criminals and an Agreement on Criminal Justice Support.
Vietnam and Indonesia often coordinate closely and support effectively each other at regional and international forums, particularly those within the ASEAN framework.
Additionally, the recent increase of cultural and sport exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy and cooperation activities between localities, organizations and businesses of the two sides have also contributed to fostering the friendship and relationship between the two countries.
It is evident that while the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s attendance of ALG and related meetings in Indonesia demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment, responsibility and contribution to the common effort of the region and the world to address development issues, promote sustainable development and strive for green growth, his visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Jodo Widodo will contribute positively to fostering the Vietnam-Indonesia strategic partnership and making it more comprehensive and effective.
Written by Editorial Board
Translated by Thu Nguyen