Vietnam President lobbies to join ASEAN
JAKARTA (JP): Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh yesterday campaigned President Soeharto to ensure the speedy inclusion of his country into the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"Vietnam is making great efforts to prepare so as to be able to become a full member of ASEAN," Anh said during a banquet at the State Palace last night.
The current climate of the region was highly conducive to the achievement of a firm foundation for cooperation, he added.
Le Duc Anh arrived yesterday morning to a rainy reception where he was met by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport.
The incessant rain denied Anh the traditional military reception at Merdeka Palace where he was greeted by a much simplified palace guard salute at the palace terrace by President Soeharto and Vice-President Try Sutrisno.
During his first-ever visit here, the 74-year old Anh was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cam, Minister of Food and Agriculture Nguyen Cong Tan and Minister of Trade Le Van Triet.
The acceptance of Vietnam, along with Laos, as the newest members of the Association has long been suggested. Now, it appears to be a likely reality, especially with recent comments from Alatas saying it was only a matter of time before ASEAN grants them full membership.
ASEAN is made up of Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. Vietnam and Laos currently hold observer status in the Association.
President Soeharto, in his speech, stopped short of publicly acknowledging Vietnam's acceptance when he said, "I'm sure the Vietnamese government can see the many opportunities that can be acquired through close regional cooperation."
Despite Soeharto's cautious remark, government officials have openly stated Indonesia's support in the past.
Alatas again echoed Indonesia's commitment when he answered reporters questions yesterday. "From the beginning we have had no qualms, no political or ideological reservations ... it's just a matter of synchronizing economic considerations."
Anh is scheduled to hold a two-hour meeting with Soeharto this morning where the issue of bilateral relations will be the main focus.
The two major topics of discussion are the fate of Vietnamese boat people on Galang island and the demarcation of a disputed continental shelf in the South China Sea.
Over 8,000
There are currently over 8,000 boat people on Galang which Indonesia owns and would like vacated so it can be developed into a bonded industrial zone.
Talks to discuss plans for repatriation have met with strong resistance with over 500 Vietnamese boat people in Galang who went on a hunger strike on the eve of Anh's visit.
The demarcation of the continental shelf near Indonesia's Natuna island also has high economic stakes, since the disputed area is located directly adjacent to a natural gas reserve and is thus assumed to be rich in resources.
Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and Alatas have both played-down the issue saying it would merely be one of the many topics of the overall discussion to increase bilateral ties.
Clear efforts to cultivate cooperation began yesterday with the Vietnamese Minister of Trade attending a luncheon with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Tomorrow a memorandum of understanding on tourism will be signed by the two countries followed by a tour of the Indonesia in Miniature Beautiful Park (TMII). (07)