Vietnam always attaches importance to developing the relations with the Philippines  bringing practical benefits to both countries and contributing to building the ASEAN Community.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement while receiving the Foreign Minister of the Philippines , Alberto F.del Rosario, in Hanoi on April 5.

The government leader spoke highly of the results of the talks between the Filipino FM and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, saying that they made practical contributions to fostering the bilateral ties between the two nations.

He suggested the two sides coordinate to effectively implement agreements signed between the two governments and those reached during the talks.

At first, the two foreign ministries should quickly move to prepare for the 6 th session of the Vietnam-Philippines Joint Committee and the signing of the Programme of Action between the two countries in the 2011-2014 period, as well as the celebration for the 35 th anniversary of diplomatic ties (July 12, 1976-2011), the PM stressed.

The PM affirmed Vietnam’s stable rice exports to the Philippines and expressed wish that the two sides will boost cooperation in the fields of security and defence, trade, investment, agriculture, education and training, and maritime.

For his part, Minister Alberto F.del Rosario highly valued Vietnam ’s efforts to maintain stable rice exports to the Philippines , saying that this will help his country ensure food security.

At present, 59 Filipino companies are investing in Vietnam with a total investment of nearly 300 million USD, he said, adding that the two sides should strengthen trade and investment promotion activities in order to raise two-way trade and boost investment cooperation in the future.

Both host and guest said that peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the East Sea are common interests of regional countries and concerned parties should strengthen exchanges and consultations in a peaceful manner, avoiding the use of force./.