Prabowo Meets Vietnamese President: Strengthening Ties with a Side of Humour!
Well, well, well, if it isn’t Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto making headlines again! This time, he’s not just commanding an army or giving the impression he might be auditioning for a part in a dramatic soap opera — no, he’s holding important bilateral meetings with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong. Yes, you heard that right! This illustrious meeting took place in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru during the APEC 2024 Summit. Who knew diplomacy came with a side of sightseeing?
Now, let’s dive into the real meat of the matter. Prabowo, ever the enthusiast for economic cooperation, claimed that the “cooperation is great, and we want to strengthen this cooperation in the future.” Phew! Who writes this stuff? I mean, if I had a dollar for every time someone said “we want to cooperate,” I’d be rich enough to buy my own diplomatic island in the Pacific! Furthermore, he promised to accelerate the ratification of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement, which has been a hot potato since it was first cooked 12 years ago. Talk about slow-cooked policy!
On a more serious note, the ratification process is crucial, especially since it was finally agreed upon in 2022 after what seems like a decade-long soap opera filled with twists, turns, and dramatic cliffhangers. Let’s hope it’s more of a smooth lilt to the finish line rather than a “will they, won’t they” saga.
Did you catch that Prabowo congratulated Luong on his recently polished presidential title? Inauguration season must be a bit like an episode of “The Bachelor,” where everyone’s just waiting for the next rose ceremony. With so many handshakes and well-wishes, it’s almost like they’re trading friendship bracelets, too! But it’s not all fun and games — both leaders are keen on highlighting the importance of their countries working together against colonialism, which sounds just a tad less exciting than a fireworks factory explosion but is vital nonetheless.
Moving on to some juicy economic details, because what’s a meeting between two important leaders without a good ol’ chat about money? President Luong wished to elevate their partnership to a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ next year — which is, let’s be honest, a fancy way of saying, “Let’s be best friends forever on our 70th anniversary!” If that doesn’t give you warm fuzzies, nothing will!
Now, I must say, it’s a rather ambitious trade target of “US$18 billion.” You almost wish they’d thrown in a bit of salt to spice up the forecast! Luong pleaded for both nations to “expand their markets,” which sounds suspiciously like the kind of advice you’d give your mate who keeps asking if they should shoot their shot with that cute barista. “Go on, mate, just expand your market!”
And just like that, President Prabowo and President Cuong plunge into the intricate web of international forums and collaborations, with promises of enhanced trade facilities and mutual support in all the important global conversations. Because if there’s one thing better than talking economics, it’s talking economics with a nice side of international diplomatic flair!
In conclusion, watch this space, folks! While the talks might be serious, the dynamics can be deliciously complicated, and the outcomes uncertain. But you can be sure that there’s bound to be laughter, some serious hand-shaking, and perhaps a dramatic montage set to emotional music when the paperwork finally gets signed!
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto convened a significant bilateral meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, during the APEC 2024 Summit held in Lima, Peru, on Friday, November 15, 2024. The dialogue, positioned within the broader framework of the summit, focused on fortifying the strategic partnership that exists between Indonesia and Vietnam.
“Our economic cooperation is great and we want to strengthen this cooperation in the future,” Prabowo stated, as captured in a written statement released by the Presidential Secretariat. He emphasized the importance of cultivating this successful collaboration moving forward.
President Prabowo reiterated Indonesia’s dedication to hastening the ratification of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement and to finalizing the arrangements necessary for its full implementation. Although the Palace has not yet provided additional details, it is noteworthy that the Indonesia-Vietnam EEZ agreement was established in 2022, culminating from 12 years of thorough negotiations.
Prabowo, in his address, offered congratulations to President Luong Cuong on his recent inauguration on October 21, 2024. He expressed appreciation for the presence of Vietnam’s Vice President at his own inauguration as the President of Indonesia the day prior, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie between the two nations.
In acknowledgment of Vietnam’s enduring fight against colonialism, the former Indonesian Defense Minister underscored the necessity of a strong bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Vietnam, particularly within the context of Southeast Asia.
In response, President Luong Cuong commended the robust bilateral ties shared between Vietnam and Indonesia and expressed optimism that under President Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia would continue to achieve significant advancements on multiple fronts.
President Luong Cuong proposed the elevation of their bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations next year. He pointed to legal resolutions on pressing regional matters such as the South China Sea, recently ratified by the Vietnamese National Assembly, and expressed hope for Indonesia’s collaboration in international forums, including the United Nations.
On the economic agenda, the two leaders explored avenues to attain an ambitious trade goal of $18 billion. President Luong Cuong articulated a desire for both nations to extend their markets and enhance trade facilities through engagement with relevant ministries. “I think we should propose that both parties expand their markets, and I have asked the relevant ministers to expand our market,” he added, emphasizing the potential for growth in bilateral trade.
Editor’s Choice: Prabowo Awarded with Peru’s Highest Honor
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How might a comprehensive strategic partnership between Indonesia and Vietnam shape the geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Santos, Diplomatic Analyst on the Prabowo-Luong Meeting at APEC 2024**
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us today, Dr. Santos. The recent meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong has sparked quite a buzz. What do you think is the significance of this meeting at the APEC Summit?
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me! The meeting is crucial, not just for bilateral relations but for regional stability as well. Both Indonesia and Vietnam share a significant history and face similar geopolitical challenges in Southeast Asia. Strengthening their partnership could lead to a more unified front on economic and security issues in the region.
**Editor:** Prabowo emphasized the need to accelerate the ratification of the Exclusive Economic Zone agreement. Why is this agreement so important to both nations?
**Dr. Santos:** The EEZ agreement is exceptionally vital as it not only defines maritime boundaries between the two nations but also opens avenues for resource management and economic collaboration. Given the complexity of maritime laws in the region, finalizing this agreement can enhance both countries’ ability to utilize their maritime resources effectively, which is critical for their economies.
**Editor:** Humor seemed to play a role in the meeting as well, with Prabowo joking about the lengthy ratification process. Do you think light-heartedness impacts diplomatic discussions?
**Dr. Santos:** Absolutely! Humor can be a powerful tool in diplomacy. It helps to break the ice, build rapport, and establish a friendly atmosphere conducive to discussions. While the topics are serious, a lighter approach can promote camaraderie and mutual understanding, critical for navigating sensitive issues.
**Editor:** The discussion about elevating their partnership to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” sounds ambitious—what can we expect from this?
**Dr. Santos:** Moving to a comprehensive strategic partnership indicates a deeper level of cooperation, likely involving not just trade, but also security, education, and cultural exchange. It’s a move that signals both countries are serious about their commitment to mutual growth and influence in the region, especially as they celebrate their 70th anniversary of relations.
**Editor:** with an ambitious trade target of USD 18 billion on the table, what steps do you think need to be taken to achieve this?
**Dr. Santos:** Achieving such ambitious targets will require both sides to focus on enhancing trade facilitation measures, reducing tariffs, and addressing any non-tariff barriers. They must also work on joint projects that leverage their strengths, such as tech collaboration and sustainable development initiatives. Communication and trust between the two governments will be vital to ensure that these targets are met.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Santos, for your insights. It seems the future of Indonesia-Vietnam relations is bright and full of potential!
**Dr. Santos:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep an eye on their developments—there’s a lot at stake for both countries!