Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Singapore on April 27 on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Summit. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in Singaporeon April 27 on the sidelines of the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) Summit.
At their meeting, the twoleaders expressed their delight at fruitful strategic partnership betweenVietnam and the Philippines as reflected through frequent meetings and exchanges,especially in security and defence, and improved economic-trade ties. Bilateraltrade surpassed 4 billion USD in 2017, an annual increase of 25 percent, withrice trade bringing about practical mutual benefits.
Phuc suggested both sidescontinue their exchange of high-ranking delegations, and actively implementcooperation mechanisms, particularly in oil spill response, search & rescueat sea, sustainable marine management, fisheries and anti-terrorism.
Duterte stressed thePhilippines values the friendship and collaboration it shares with Vietnam, andis willing to work with Vietnam in sectors that the two nations can supplementeach other.
He thanked the VietnameseGovernment for creating conditions for Philippine citizens to live and dobusiness in the country.
Lauding the quality ofVietnamese rice, the President said he wants further bilateral cooperation inrice trade and Vietnam to be a stable and long-time rice supplier for thePhilippines.
The two leaders discussedregional and international affairs of common concern, including collaborationwithin ASEAN, the East Sea issue, and fight against marine crime. PM Phuc tookthe occasion to congratulate the Philippines on its successful ASEANchairmanship in 2017.
Concerning the East Seaissue, both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability,security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters. Theyaffirmed that disputes ought to be peacefully resolved in line withinternational law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS).
They said they support the fulland effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Partiesin the East Sea (DOC), and early conclusion of an effective and legally-bindingCode of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China.-VNA
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