2020 marks 65 years of anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Vietnam (December 30, 1955 - 2020). Over the past 65 years, the relationship between the two countries has been increasingly strengthened and developed. The seminar was organised to review the 65-year journey of the relationship between Vietnam and Indonesia, to evaluate the achievements, limitations and problems posed in the context of new challenges, and from there make policy recommendations to further develop the strategic partnership between the two countries in the future.

Speaking at the seminar, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Ibnu Hadi sent his deep condolences to the Government and people of Vietnam for the serious damage to people and property caused by the flooding in some central provinces. According to Ambassador Ibnu Hadi, in the context of new challenges caused by the Covid-19 epidemic, Vietnam has shown the world its inimitable strength and resilience in its pandemic response.

At the event.

Ambassador Ibnu Hadi emphasised the fact that Indonesia and Vietnam officially established diplomatic relations in 1955 as an important milestone for the friendship between the two countries.

For his part, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung assessed that despite the ups and downs of the regional and world situation over the past 65 years, Vietnam and Indonesia are still close and faithful friends. Since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2013, the Vietnam-Indonesia relationship continues to grow strongly and extensively both at bilateral and multilateral levels.

The two countries also promote defence co-operation, contributing to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached more than US$9 billion in 2019. As one of the first countries to directly invest in Vietnam, Indonesia currently ranks fifth in ASEAN and 28th out of 130 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Since the beginning of the year, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, leaders of the two countries have actively exchanged experiences on the prevention and control of epidemic as well as measures to promote bilateral trade.

Vietnam and Indonesia also regularly cooperate closely at regional and international forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, World Trade Organisation (WTO Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).