HÀ NỘI – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said yesterday that the Philippines places importance on accelerating its across-the-board co-operation with Việt Nam. He was speaking at a meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in Hà Nội.

Duterte said implementation of the Strategic Partnership contents and the early building and deployment of an action plan for 2017-2020 to tap co-operation potential by both countries will create a new impulse for the growth in the respective countries and the region at large.

He spoke highly of Việt Nam’s role and position in ASEAN and expressed his hope for continued co-operation in the new ASEAN Community as well as at multilateral forums.

Regarding the East Sea issue, President Duterte urged all parties to exercise self-restraint, without resorting to the threat or use of force, and to solve disputes by peaceful measures in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law.

Party General Secretary Trọng warmly welcomed President Duterte. He suggested both countries carry out agreements they have reached and fully utilise the existing co-operative mechanisms, with the focus on the exchange of high-level visits across Party, State, National Assembly channels and people-to-people exchanges.

He also referred to potential maritime co-operation and co-operation in rice trading, oil and gas, fisheries, mining and services.

The Party leader affirmed that Việt Nam stands ready to support and co-ordinate with the Philippines in accomplishing its ASEAN Chair in 2017, contributing to a strong, united and developed ASEAN Community.

He reiterated Việt Nam’s position of tackling disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means, including the full respect of legal and diplomatic processes in the absence of threats or use of force and in compliance with international law.

He wished the President and Philippine people success in their nation-building process and active contribution to peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region. — VNS