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Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armanatha Kristiawan Nasir (Photo: VNA)

Indonesia-Vietnam relations contribute to region’s prosperity: official

The relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam not only contributes to the development and prosperity of both nations but also plays an important role in promoting the development and prosperity of the region, according to Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armanatha Kristiawan Nasir.

The official made the affirmation in an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Jakarta on the threshold of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia and his official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat based in the country from March 9-11. The trip will be made at the invitations of President of Indonesia and President of the Great Indonesia Movement Party Prabowo Subianto, and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn.

Nasir said that 2025 is an important year for both countries, as it marks the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Historically, the ties are based on the philosophy and foundation laid by late Indonesian President Sukarno and late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, thereby creating a very strong and enduring relationship, cited VNA.

He noted that since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2013, they have seized opportunities and made efforts to reach a point where they are now ready to elevate the relationship to a new level.

The success of the bilateral relations is not only reflected in trade or economic cooperation but also in other areas, with cultural and people-to-people exchanges playing an important role, he affirmed, mentioning an increase in the number of tourists traveling between Vietnam and Indonesia.

However, the official pointed out that both countries are facing global challenges, from climate change to the rapid development of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence.

Sharing his impression with Vietnamese auto maker VinFast's investment in electric vehicles (EVs) and the EV ecosystem in Indonesia, Nasir assessed that this demonstrates the commitment of both nations to investing in sustainable development.

The two nations can also explore other opportunities for cooperation in areas such as technology, AI, and environmental protection, and those which both sides have advantages and strong potential to bring about mutual benefits.

According to the deputy minister, the target of reaching 18 billion USD in two-way trade by 2028 is very likely to be achieved even earlier, as last year, it surpassed 16 billion USD, marking a year-on-year rise of 24% - a remarkable milestone obtained by the two countries. Additionally, they have also witnessed exceptional growth in investments from Indonesia in Vietnam as well as from Vietnam in Indonesia.

Party leader To Lam begins working trip to Indonesia, ASEAN Secretariat, Singapore

A high-ranking delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse left Hanoi on March 9, beginning a working trip to Indonesia, the ASEAN Secretariat and Singapore.

The invitations have been extended by Indonesian President and Chairman of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Prabowo Subianto, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn, and Singaporean Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party Lawrence Wong, according to VOV.

Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse.

To Lam was accompanied by a number of high-ranking Party officials including Politburo member and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Nguyen Xuan Thang; Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen; Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chief of the Party Central Office Le Hoai Trung; Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Tran Luu Quang, along with ministers in charge of national defense, public security and foreign affairs, among others.

The working trip reaffirms Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. It reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying and multilateralizing international relations while prioritizing ties with neighboring countries in the region, including Indonesia and Singapore - the two key partners.

The visit also highlights Vietnam’s proactive, responsible, and innovative spirit, contributing meaningfully to ASEAN’s shared aspirations for the future.

Vietnam vital piece of resilient ASEAN: Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn

Vietnam is an important pillar in terms of politics, diplomacy, security, socio-economy, and culture, which contributes to making ASEAN stronger, more resilient and dynamic, said ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The interview took place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia ahead of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia and official visits to the ASEAN Secretariat and Singapore from March 9-13.

Stressing the importance of To Lam’s first official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat, Dr Kao described it as a historic milestone, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership (1995-2025), and emphasised that the visit will reinforce Vietnam’s central role in the bloc.

During the visit, To Lam is scheduled to deliver a policy speech to ASEAN Secretariat officials, ambassadors, permanent representatives from ASEAN member states, and representatives of ASEAN’s dialogue and development partners.

According to the ASEAN leader, the visit is of unprecedented importance, as Vietnam has always played a very proactive and positive role in the bloc, and made ASEAN one of the top priorities in its foreign policy.

The visit also comes at a pivotal time as ASEAN nears the final phase of its ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and prepares to launch the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 in May, he said, expressing his belief that To Lam’s visit would further enhance ASEAN’s image, credibility, and vision both regionally and globally.

Reflecting on Vietnam’s 30-year journey within ASEAN, Dr Kao praised the country’s efforts in promoting peace, stability, security, and prosperity in the region, and in strengthening ASEAN’s external relations, VNA reported.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn in the interview (Photo: VNA)

He described Vietnam as a vital ASEAN member, with its development, transformation, and growth making significant contributions - across political, diplomatic, security, economic, cultural, and social fields — to strengthening the bloc’s resilience and dynamism.

Vietnam has helped elevate ASEAN’s global profile by supporting the bloc’s efforts to expand its influence in the region. With a population of around 100 million and an abundant workforce, Vietnam is an influential member of ASEAN, he affirmed.

As ASEAN moves towards adopting its 2045 Community Vision with four new strategic plans, Dr Kao highlighted Vietnam’s consistent and proactive contributions across various sectors. He expressed confidence that Vietnam, having made remarkable achievements over the past 30 years, would remain a key force in shaping a dynamic, creative, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN.

With ASEAN’s economy rising from the world’s ninth to fifth largest, the bloc aims to reach the fourth place by 2030 — a goal that Dr Kao said will require strong engagement from all member states, with Vietnam playing a crucial part.

10th Vietnam - Japan Festival kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City

The Vietnam – Japan Festival opened at September 23 Park in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City on March 8, attracting a large number of locals, expats, and tourists.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, noted that the 2025 festival themed “Hold hands together - From now on” holds special significance as it marks a decade of impressive cultural exchange between the two countries.

The festival takes place in the second year of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening up new opportunities in investment cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries, cited VOV.

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, addresses the opening ceremony (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

“This year’s theme reflects the commitment of both countries to fostering their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It also conveys a message of friendship, solidarity, and shared development towards a sustainable future,” said the official.

According to him, one of the most concrete examples of Vietnam-Japan cooperation is the completion of Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1, which marks a major milestone in urban infrastructure development.

He expressed hope that cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Japanese localities would continue to thrive, especially in urban transportation investment, as the city aims to develop 355 km of metro rail over the next 10 years.

Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma announced that he would attend the inauguration of Metro Line 1 the following day, highlighting the project’s role as a symbol of Vietnam-Japan cooperation. He expressed confidence that the metro line would reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, enhance living standards, and contribute to economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City.

Takebe Tsutomu, Honorary Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Festival Executive Committee, highlighted that the 2025 festival represents one of the largest Vietnam - Japan exchange events in the country, boasting more stalls than previous years.

There are around 155 businesses selling traditional Japanese and Vietnamese snacks, merchandise, and other products.

He also revealed that the festival also features a wide range of activities which promote the rich culture of both countries, including musical shows, martial art performances, a Vietnam - Japan friendship áo dài show, a mikoshi palanquin parade, a dragon dance, and others.

The event is scheduled to last until March 9.

To mark the 10th edition of the Vietnam-Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, according to the organizing board, a Ho Chi Minh City Festival in Japan is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on November 1 - 2.

Phu Quoc named one of the world’s top destinations for 2025 by CNA

Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island has been ranked among CNA’s 25 must-visit destinations for 2025, joining iconic spots like Amsterdam, Rome, and Osaka.

Phu Quoc, the stunning island in Kien Giang Province, Vietnam, has been ranked among the top 25 must-visit destinations for 2025 by Singapore-based Channel News Asia (CNA).

According to CNA, Phu Quoc is “a tropical gem” with a vast coastline stretching 150km, scenic smaller islands, and a sprawling national park.

Besides luxury resorts, Phu Quoc offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences, including swimming, scuba diving, and kayaking, making it a paradise for adventure seekers.

Phu Quoc has been recognized globally as a top island destination. Photo: Wanderlust

Other renowned destinations included in CNA’s 2025 list feature Amsterdam (Netherlands), Rome (Italy), Koh Samui (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Casablanca (Morocco), Antarctica, Greenland, Bordeaux (France), and Cairo (Egypt).

This is not the first time Phu Quoc has gained global recognition. The island has previously been honored by numerous prestigious publications:

Condé Nast Traveler's Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 named Phu Quoc among the world’s top islands, making it the only Vietnamese destination on the list.

In July 2024, Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Awards ranked Phu Quoc as the world’s second-best island, just behind the Maldives.

DestinAsian included Phu Quoc in its top 10 most beautiful islands in Asia, reported VNN.

Lonely Planet recognized it as one of the world’s best beach destinations, while South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo praised it as a place that “delights all five senses.”

Phu Quoc’s growing reputation on the international travel scene reaffirms its status as a must-visit tropical paradise for 2025 and beyond.

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