Vietnam and Indonesia Strengthen Counterterrorism Cooperation

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism as senior officials from both nations convened in Jakarta for the second joint working group meeting on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on counterterrorism cooperation. The meeting allowed both sides to review progress made since their first meeting in Hanoi and exchange notes on counterterrorism work in each country. They emphasized the need for close cooperation to combat terrorism, which remains a significant threat to peace, security, and stability in the region and globally.

Key Takeaways:

  • The second joint working group meeting on the implementation of the MoU on counterterrorism cooperation was held in Jakarta on June 18, co-chaired by Lieutenant General Pham The Tung, Deputy Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, and Deputy Director of Indonesia's National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Andhika Chrisnayudhanto.
  • Both sides reviewed the progress made since their first meeting in Hanoi in December 2023 and exchanged notes on counterterrorism work in each country.
  • The discussion focused on national counterterrorism strategies, combating radicalisation and violent extremism, cyberterrorism, the management of returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) and convicted terrorists, joint exercises, and future collaborative efforts.
  • Both countries acknowledged that terrorism remains a significant threat to peace, security, and stability in their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
  • The MoU is seen as a demonstration of close cooperation between the two sides, providing a ground to upgrade their partnership to a new high and to a deeper and more effective manner.
  • The outcomes of the second meeting will contribute to the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia as well as to regional peace and security.

Statistics:

  • The meeting was the second joint working group meeting on the implementation of the MoU on counterterrorism cooperation between Vietnam and Indonesia.
  • The first joint working group meeting was held in Hanoi in December 2023.

Sources:

  • No specific sources were mentioned in the provided text.