Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has assured Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril G. Santos that Vietnam will continue working closely with the Philippines to ensure a successful APEC Year 2015.
Son made the statement at a meeting in Hanoi on July 22 with the ambassador who handed over a letter from Philippine President Benigno Aquino III inviting President Truong Tan Sang to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) Leaders’ Week in the Philippines in this November.
Son lauded the topic as well as priorities proposed by the Philippines for the event this year while informing Santos of Vietnam’s preparations for the APEC Year 2017, including the formation of a National Committee for the APEC 2017 Organisation.
The Deputy FM expressed his hope that Vietnam and the Philippines will strengthen cooperation in areas of shared concern, asking for shared experience and support from the Philippines to Vietnam in hosting the APEC.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation, including the establishment of a strategic partnership in the near future.-VNA
