Indonesia, Vietnam Discuss South China Sea Issue

Jakarta, Aug 23 (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Secretary General of the Socialist Republican Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong to discuss the South China Sea issue, among others.

Widodo and Trong met at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday along with Indonesian ministers and delegates from Vietnam.

On the occasion, Widodo highlighted the importance of maintaining unity and centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"We have spoken about the importance of working together as well as the 2025 vision of the ASEAN community and also discussed the progress achieved in building a solid basis for the comprehensive norms regulation in the South China Sea," he noted.

Widodo stated that the two countries had also agreed to make ASEAN a driving force for creating regional peace, stability, and welfare.

Meanwhile, Trong remarked that his party believes the talks to deal with the South China Sea issue were fruitful.

"In addressing the South China Sea problem, I am satisfied that this meeting will improve relations and ensure a good outcome for both countries, especially the contribution of all parties, including the people," he pointed out.

Trong added that his party was grateful for the warm welcome extended by Widodo and the Indonesian people and expressed hope that the bilateral relations would deepen.(*)