"Indonesian investment in Vietnam is also growing rapidly to reach almost US$500 million. We hope that there will be attention from the Vietnamese government," Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said at a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) on Sunday.
At the meeting held on the sidelines of the 27th ASEAN Summit, the two heads of state agreed to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$10 billion by 2018. Trade between the two countries currently stands at around US$6 billion.
The two leaders also agreed to enhance bilateral relations particularly in the trade and investment fields.
According to member of the presidential communication team Ari Dwipayana, President Jokowi also offered Indonesian strategic products to Vietnam at the meeting.
Prime Minister Nguyen warmly welcomed the Indonesian presidents offer. "I will also assign the defense minister to follow up on the Indonesian investment in Vietnam," he said.
Both Jokowi and Nguyen also agreed to expedite negotiations on exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the two countries.
"I hope the negotiations on the EEZ can be completed in December 2015," Jokowi said.
The meeting also discussed the latest developments in the South China Sea. Jokowi stated that the Indonesian government will always give priority to regional stability and security when it comes to the South China Sea.
"This way, growth can continue and the international law need to be respected in the region," he said.
At the end of the meeting, Nguyen extended an invitation to Jokowi to visit Vietnam. The Indonesian president said he will likely visit Vietnam next year. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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