HÀ NỘI – The Presidents of Việt Nam and the Philippines have pledged to further strengthen political and diplomatic co-operation via regular exchange of all-level visits and boosting ties on the Party, Government, State, National Assembly and people-to-people exchange channel.

President Trần Đại Quang and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made the commitment at their talks in Hà Nội today during the Filipino President’s official visit from September 28-29.

The two countries will also improve the efficiency of bilateral co-operation mechanisms, including the Committee on Bilateral Co-operation at the foreign ministerial level, the Inter-Committee on Sea and Ocean, the Joint Sub-Committee on Trade, the dialogue on defence policy, and the Joint Working Group on Fisheries.

Both sides agreed to work closely together to prepare for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

President Quang welcomed Filipino investors to Việt Nam’s agriculture, food processing and tourism sectors, and asked the Philippines to facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ investment in infrastructure, oil and gas survey and exploration, mining and services.

He affirmed that Việt Nam will offer a stable and long-term rice supply to the Philippines.

The two presidents agreed that national defence-security is an important pillar in the bilateral strategic partnership, and vowed to effectively use existing co-operation mechanisms, including the policy dialogue at the deputy defence ministerial level, while bolstering ties in research and training, and sharing of experience in the UN peacekeeping mission.

The two leaders promised to direct their security agencies to exchange information and co-operate in the fight against crime, terrorism, drug and human trafficking, and quickly launch negotiations to sign agreements on extradition and the transfer of sentenced persons.

Regarding collaboration in sea and ocean, farming, transport, culture, tourism, people-to-people exchange and education, President Quang spoke highly of the Filipino government’s humanitarian policy and co-operation in fishing boat- and fishermen-related issues over the past years. He took the occasion to ask the Philippines to consider releasing all Vietnamese fishermen currently detained in the country.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, the two sides pledged mutual support of the Philippines in hosting the ASEAN Summit and Việt Nam in hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit next year.

They agreed to continue co-ordinating with other ASEAN member states to successfully realise the ASEAN Community and uphold the ASEAN’s solidarity and central role in the regional architecture.

They committed to maintain and promote peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of maritime and aviation along with unhindered trade in the region, particularly in the East Sea.

They called on parties concerned to exercise self-restraint, refrain from the use of force or threat to use force, show full respect for diplomatic and legal process, settle disputes by peaceful means on the basis of basic principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two sides reiterated their support of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and co-operation for the early formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The same day, President Duterte paid a courtesy call to Party Secretary General Nguyễn Phú Trọng, met Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and received Vietnamese business representatives. — VNS