RI, Vietnam agree to cooperate in combating terrorism, sea piracy<\/p>\n
Reiner Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Hanoi<\/p>\n
The governments of Indonesia and Vietnam agreed here on Monday to
\nboost cooperation in preventing and combating transnational
\ncrimes, including terrorism and piracy on the seas.<\/p>\n
The agreement was reached during bilateral talks led by
\nPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vietnam President Tran Duc
\nLuong.<\/p>\n
A memorandum of understanding on the cooperation was signed at
\nVietnam's presidential palace.<\/p>\n
The two governments also inked another deal in the education
\nsector. No details of either agreement were disclosed, however.<\/p>\n
Susilo met Luong on a three-day state visit to Vietnam after a
\nfour-day working visit to the United States last week. He was
\nexpected to fly to Tokyo later on Monday night, the final
\ndestination in a quick three-nation tour.<\/p>\n
In Hanoi, both presidents discussed ways to boost relations
\nbetween the two countries. Susilo also invited President Luong to
\nvisit Indonesia.<\/p>\n
"As two nations with strong historical relations and which
\nmaintain their status as independent-minded countries, we have
\ndiscussed strategic issues that will increase relations and
\ncooperation," said Susilo, who received a red carpet welcome at
\nthe palace on his first visit to the country since taking office
\nin October.<\/p>\n
The presidents also agreed to improve political and diplomatic
\ncommunications by setting up a high-level forum of ministers to
\ndiscuss strategic issues in the region, including security.<\/p>\n
Economic cooperation, meanwhile, will focus on trade and
\ninvestment activities, particularly in air services, energy, and
\ntourism.<\/p>\n
Two-way trade between the two Southeast Asian countries
\nincreased from US$700 million in 2001 to over $1.1 billion last
\nyear. Since 1990, Indonesian companies have invested $315 million
\nin Vietnam, according to Vietnamese government data.<\/p>\n
There are also plans to expand the existing military
\ncooperation with Vietnam, including in the area of defense
\nindustries, and the training and education of military officers.<\/p>\n
"We have also agreed to play a positive role in the regional
\nand global arena by way of cooperating with major countries such
\nas China, Japan, India, European Union and the U.S.," Susilo
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Indonesia backed Vietnam's bid to become the host of the next
\nAsia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2007, and to
\nbecome non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the
\nyear 2009\/2009, while Vietnam supported Indonesia's bid to become
\na non-permanent member in 2007\/2008, Susilo said.<\/p>\n
"Indonesia also fully supports Vietnam's bid to become formal
\nmember of the WTO," said Susilo.<\/p>\n
Later in the day, Susilo addressed a business gathering
\norganized by the Indonesian and Vietnamese chambers of commerce
\nand industry and witnessed Indonesian and Vietnamese companies
\nsign seven MOUs.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Susilo laid a wrath at the mausoleum of Vietnam's
\nfounding president Ho Chi Minh.<\/p>\n
Indonesia established diplomatic ties with North Vietnam in
\n1955, during the communist country's civil war with the south. Ho
\nChi Minh visited Indonesia in February 1959 and four months later
\nreceived president Sukarno.<\/p>",
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