Naval officers of Vietnam and Indonesia pose for a joint photo at the exercise opening ceremony on August 30. (Photo: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The navies of Vietnam and Indonesia kicked off their coordinated exercise (CODEX 22B-I) in Batam Island of Indonesia on August 30.
The exercise opening ceremony was co-chaired by Deputy Chief of the Staff of Vietnam’s Naval Region 4 Colonel Nguyen Van Ngan and Commander of Indonesia’s Naval Base IV Rear Admiral Kemas M. Ikhwan Madani.
Colonel Nguyen Van Ngan said the first joint exercise between Ship HQ 012 - Ly Thai To of the Vietnam People’s Navy and Ship KRI Bung Tom - 357 of the Indonesian Navy is an important milestone in the development of the two sides’ agreement on the standard process of joint training, signed in December 2021, aiming to enhance the friendship, understanding, and trust between the two militaries, including their navies.
Rear Admiral Kemas M. Ikhwan Madani stressed that CODEX 22B-I helps promote the two navies’ capacity, experience, and mutual understanding, thus helping guarantee maritime security and build up their trust.
CODEX 22B-I, the first of its kind between the Vietnamese and Indonesian navies, is taking place in the Batam and Bitan waters of Indonesia from August 29 to September 3./.
The upcoming 4th meeting of the Vietnam - Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) is expected to further consolidate and create strong momentum to bring the bilateral strategic partnership to a new height in line with the long-term interests of the two countries, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong has said.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on July 20 co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC-4) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen received Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi and Italian Consul General in the city Enrico Padula on July 28.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong suggested several major directions for developing relations between Vietnam and Indonesia in the future during a phone conversation with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on August 25.
Naval ship HQ 012-Ly Thai To of Brigade 162 of the Naval Region 4 arrived in Batu Ampar port of Indonesia on August 29, beginning its visit, exchange and joint drill with the Indonesian Navy.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Naval officers of Vietnam and Indonesia pose for a joint photo at the exercise opening ceremony on August 30. (Photo: VNA) 
