Philippines, Vietnam Agree on Enhanced Defense, Security Cooperation

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung discussed defense and security cooperation during their meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung arrived in the Philippines for a working visit as well as to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

In his message during the joint press conference at the Palace, President Aquino said they discussed how the Philippines and Vietnam can enhance confidence building, defense capabilities, and interoperability in addressing security challenges.

Cooperation between the two countries’ navies has been robust, he said noting the recent staff-to-staff talks conducted in Manila in March 2014. Matters pertaining to exchanges in intelligence and naval technology, and others, were tackled, he said.

“I believe that continued cooperation with Vietnam, as well as with other members of ASEAN, in defense and security will only contribute to promoting regional stability,” he said.

“It is not an overstatement when I say that I look forward to increased collaboration between our respective defense agencies.”

The President said he looks forward for the two nations jointly determining the prerequisites in forging a roadmap towards a strategic partnership.

Aside from discussing defense and security, the two leaders also exchanged views on maritime cooperation.

Collaborative activities between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) have increased over the years, and these include oil spill preparedness and response, mechanisms for search and rescue cooperation, as well as information exchange.

This information exchange includes the Hotline Communication Mechanisms between the PCG and the VCG, aimed at protecting the two countries’ marine resources and suppressing illegal activities in the adjacent sea area.

President Aquino said he believes continued cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam will enable them to better protect their maritime resources, as they pursue strategies for regional growth and progress.

The President also said he hopes the Philippines and Vietnam remain steadfast in their shared aspiration—that by working together they can build a more stable Southeast Asia. (PNA) LGI/PND/UTB