JAKARTA: Vietnam and Indonesia commemorated 70 years of diplomatic relations with a special orchestral performance in Jakarta on Sunday (March 9) evening.
The concert, attended by senior officials and dignitaries, was held at the Ciputra Artpreneur Theatre, South Jakarta, in conjunction with the three-day state visit by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, to Indonesia.
Performed by the Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra from the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the event featured a classical symphony programme that showcased some of Vietnam’s finest artistes.
Traditional Vietnamese instruments and folk melodies were also incorporated, alongside well-known songs from both nations.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son described the concert as a cultural bridge that would deepen Indonesian understanding of Vietnam.
"The relations between the two nations are entering a period of remarkable development. Political relations serve as a strong foundation for expanding cooperation across all sectors,” he said in his opening remarks.
Since the establishment of a strategic partnership in 2013, ties between the two countries have strengthened across multiple fields, including politics, diplomacy, defence, security and economic cooperation, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges, he added.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, culture and regional affairs.
The one-hour performance was attended by To Lam, diplomats, government officials, and business leaders, underscoring the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering closer ties between the two South-East Asian nations.
Earlier in the day, To Lam arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in East Jakarta, where he was welcomed by key Indonesian officials, including Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono. - Bernama
