JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed his commitment to swiftly ratifying the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement with Vietnam.

The meeting with Vietnam’s newly inaugurated President Luong Cuong took place on Friday, November 15, 2024, marking a key moment in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

During the meeting, President Prabowo congratulated President Cuong on his recent inauguration, which occurred on October 21, 2024. Prabowo himself had been sworn in just one day earlier, on October 20, 2024.

He also extended his gratitude to Vietnam’s Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan for attending his own inauguration in Jakarta in October.

President Prabowo highlighted the longstanding and robust relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam, noting that the two countries have shared diplomatic ties for over 70 years. He expressed confidence in the importance of these ties and emphasized the need to further strengthen their partnership in various areas.

Acknowledging the deep connection between the two nations, Prabowo committed to accelerating the ratification of the EEZ boundary agreement, which has been a significant step in enhancing maritime cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam.

“We are committed to expediting the ratification process for the EEZ agreement. Once ratified, we will focus on finalizing the implementation arrangements,” Prabowo stated.

The EEZ agreement, once finalized, will help resolve maritime boundary issues between the two nations and enable better management of shared marine resources. It is a vital agreement for Indonesia, given its strategic location and maritime interests in the region.

In his remarks, Prabowo also reflected on the historical and shared struggle of both Indonesia and Vietnam in their fight against colonialism and imperialism. “We deeply admire the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people,” he said, emphasizing the mutual respect and solidarity between the two countries.

As Southeast Asian nations with similar historical experiences and regional challenges, both Indonesia and Vietnam have recognized the importance of cooperating in areas such as regional security, trade, and environmental sustainability. The EEZ agreement is expected to enhance not only their economic ties but also their ability to manage shared challenges in the South China Sea.

Before concluding his address, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advancing its foreign policy goals, emphasizing the role of bilateral cooperation in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region. He expressed optimism that the EEZ agreement would serve as a cornerstone for future cooperation between Indonesia and Vietnam.

The meeting in Lima underscored the strengthening of relations between the two nations, as both leaders expressed a desire to expand and deepen their diplomatic and economic collaboration. With this renewed commitment, the EEZ agreement is expected to be a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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