Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Philippine Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre at the meeting in Hanoi on March 17 (Photo: VNA) Congratulating Banos Montealegre on his appointment as the ambassadorof the Philippines to Vietnam, PM Phuc said over the past years, relationsbetween the two countries have been flourishing in various fields, especially maritimecooperation.
For his part, the Philippine diplomat congratulated Vietnamon its successful chairmanship of ASEAN and non-permanent membership of the UNSecurity Council in 2020, especially amid complex developments of the COVID-19pandemic. He also offered congratulations on the success of the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
As the two countries mark the 45th foundinganniversary of diplomatic ties in 2021, he hoped that they will co-organise manycelebratory activities so as to further intensify bilateral links.
As the countries have enjoyed growing relations, particularlymaritime cooperation, he proposed stronger coordination in this regard.
Montealegre also suggested Vietnam share more experience inCOVID-19 prevention and control and thanked the country for providing medicalsupplies to the Philippines.
He expressed his hope that the two countries will enhancecooperation in vaccine testing and development.
At the meeting, PM Phuc affirmed that Vietnam alwaysattaches importance to the strategic partnership with the Philippines, in whichmaritime cooperation has a highly crucial role to play.
He called on both sides to further step up bilateral tradeand investment.
In terms of rice supply, he noted, Vietnam will ensurestable and long-term provision for the Philippines, particularly whenfood security becomes even more important amid impacts of the COVID-19pandemic.
The PM also viewed the 45th anniversary ofdiplomatic ties as an occasion for the countries to reinforce and elevate theirrelations, asking the ambassador to coordinate with relevant agencies ofVietnam to organise many practical celebratory activities./.
VNA
