PM Dung said he believes that the visit will give a boost to bilateral cooperation as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 35^th annivesary of their diplomatic ties.

Mr. Dung highlighted the Philippines socio-economic achievements and successful recent election and was confident that the country will continue to develop under Mr. Aquino’s leadership. He highlighted Aquino’s meeting with his Vietnam’s counterpart, Nguyen Minh Triet, and said that the cooperation agreements signed at the meeting have added fresh impetus to the relations to further grow and flourish.

The PM proposed that both governments sign an action plan for the 2011-2014 period with a focus on rice consumption, trade promotion, the development of fisheries and agriculture, education and training, and cooperation in interantional and regional forums.

President Aquino underlined Vietnam’s recent achievements, which have elevated Vietnam’s status in the international arena.

The President said he will contribute to the 17^th ASEAN Summit, which is due to open in Hanoi on October 28.

The Philippines is eager to support Vietnam in coping with natural disasters and conducting rearch and rescue operations.

Both sides agreed that ensuring peace and stability in the East Sea is beneficial for every ASEAN country and said they will work closely together to enforce the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).