Ambassador revives spirit of friendship between Indonesia and Vietnam

Chủ Nhật, 19/08/2018, 10:35

On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Indonesia – Vietnam Strategic Partnership since it was agreed on 2013 and the 73rd anniversary of their independence, Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam Ibnu Hani conducted a speech to promote spirit of friendship between the two countries.

Ambassador Ibnu Hani wrote: "August is a special month for Indonesia, the month of its independence. It is the month where the red and white of Indonesian flags adorn all corners of the country as well as in all Indonesian missions around the world, including in Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City. The Indonesians are in the mood of celebration, but at the same time are saddened with the loss caused by the earthquake disaster in Lombok Island early August killing and injuring hundreds of people.

Besides Indonesia, recently natural disasters also happened in some parts of the world including in the several countries of ASEAN. It is a challenge for all of us how to cope and manage disaster and its relief efforts effectively regardless in which area or country or region. The Government of Indonesia and its people are making utmost efforts to overcome the impact and appreciate the sympathies and concerns expressed by the Vietnamese Government and its people.

Talking about independence, this year Indonesia and Vietnam will celebrate its 73rd anniversary of their independence. Both countries proclaimed their respective independence aftermath World War II in 1945, Indonesia was on the 17 August 1945 and Vietnam was on 2 September 1945. Our founding fathers, Sukarno of Indonesia and Ho Chi Minh of Viet Nam, were close friends, “Distant though our countries, yet our hearts are not. For friends we are, and brothers are we”. Let us revive their spirit of friendship to further strengthen Indonesia and Vietnam bilateral relations".

This year marks 5th anniversary of Indonesia – Vietnam Strategic Partnership since it was agreed on 2013. Ambassador Ibnu Hani is happy to see the progress of bilateral cooperation in line with the Plan of Action 2014 – 2018. The total bilateral trade for the first six months of 2018 reached near USD4 billions, increased by 24% from the same period last year.

It may reach USD8 billions by the end 2018, an increase of 20%. Investment from Indonesia to Vietnam increased 36% while investment from Vietnam to Indonesia also increased significantly in 2017. In tourism, the number of visitors from both sides visiting Indonesia and Viet Nam might reach 150,000 people and increasing. Overall, in trade, investment, and tourism, indicators show positive direction and we are optimistic to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$10 billion by 2020.

The celebration of the anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day on 17 August 2018 is more joyful when it comes together with the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games on the day after, 18 August 2018. Indonesia is proud to be the host country for the second time with the theme “Energy of Asia” - the spirit of this year.

Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam Ibnu Hani expect that the image, the face, the charm, the friendliness and the hospitality of Indonesians will be clearly shown and felt by our international friends through this very important occasion. Through sports and through the 18th Asian Games, friendship and solidarity will be further strengthened, not only between athletes, but also between people-to-people throughout Asian continent. "Let Indonesian and Vietnamese athletes and people contribute to this noble cause", he wrote.

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