Vietnam considers the Philippines an important partner

He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has been constantly consolidated and developed over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, President Duterte highly appreciated Vietnam’s achievements in COVID-19 response and socio-economic development. He affirmed that the Government and people of the Philippines attach great importance to preserving and developing the good strategic partnership between the two countries.

Duterte expressed his sincere gratitude for medical supplies Vietnam has provided the Philippines to help it cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both leaders agreed to work closely to promote the Vietnam-Philippines relations in all fields, including security - defense, trade and investment cooperation. They also agreed to create favourable conditions and encourage enterprises of the two countries to invest and do business in the areas of their strengths.

PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to continue providing stable and long-term rice to the Philippines. He asked the Philippines to give Vietnam preferential treatment when there is a need for rice imports, as well as to further open up its market for Vietnamese farm produce, vegetables and fruits.

The two sides agreed to strengthen research and expand cooperation to new fields suitable for the 4.0 technology era such as digital transformation, the development of a digital economy, e-commerce, or a green economy, among others.

They shared the view that vaccines play an important role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and in promoting a sustainable socio-economic recovery.

PM Chinh suggested that the two sides cooperate closely in order to have equal access to vaccines in the world, especially for developing countries. To facilitate trade, he suggested that the two countries consider early resumption of commercial flights and ensure a constant supply chain of goods and medical supplies.

The Philippine President welcomed and highly appreciated the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s proposal regarding equal access to vaccine resources.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues, both sides agreed to strengthen close cooperation and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations and ASEAN. Chinh congratulated the Philippines on successfully taking on the role of coordinator for the ASEAN-China relations.

The two leaders shared the importance of continuing to maintain ASEAN’s unity and to strictly adhere to principles regarding the East Sea issue. They affirmed close coordination on stances and viewpoints to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as speeding up the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiation process between ASEAN and China in order to achieve an effective and practical COC, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

President Duterte cordially invited Prime Minister Chinh to pay an official visit to the Philippines at a suitable time. The invitation was accepted with pleasure, and the time of the visit will be arranged through diplomatic channels.