President of the Philippines Benigno Aquino III has said his country is keen on boosting ties with Vietnam in various fields for the mutual prosperity of both countries.

During a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador Truong Trieu Duong who presented his credentials on December 4, President Aquino III said the Philippines treasures ties with Vietnam and sees the country as a brother and an important partner.

The President highly valued the outcomes of cooperation with Vietnam in all fields, appreciating the country’s important role in ensuring food security for the Philippine people.

He thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for the precious support in overcoming impacts of the recent devastating typhoon Haiyan.

Ambassador Duong briefed the President on the current socio-economic situation in Vietnam and the country’s external policies, while reviewing outcomes of the bilateral ties.

He pledged to do his utmost to contribute to further fostering all-round cooperation with the Philippines, especially through the successful implementation of the Vietnam-Philippines Plan of Action for the 2011-2016 period, heading to the establishment of a strategic partnership.-VNA