At the meeting, VUFO President Le Hung Quoc recalled the historic development of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Philippines since July 12, 1976. Over the past 35 years, bilateral ties between the two countries have developed well in all fields.

Especially, in the field of trade cooperation and investment, the Philippines ranks fourth among ASEAN investors in Vietnam. Two-way trade turnover increased five - fold from US$400 million in 2001 to more than US$2 billion in 2009.

Currently, the Philippines has 25 projects with total investment capital of more than US$40.3 million in the city. The city is expected to send a delegation to Manila in July and organize cultural activities and art programmes on the occasion of the 35^th anniversary of diplomatic ties of Vietnam and the Philippines.

Addressing the meeting, the Philippines ambassador to Vietnam, Jerry G. Santos, said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties from 1976, relations between the two countries have developed well in all fields, especially in trade activities which saw impressive growth. Both countries continue to develop multilateral relations with other countries within ASEAN bloc.

Mr Santos said he will do his utmost to strengthen cooperative relations between the two countries in the field of trade, investment and education, further contributing to developing friendship relations among the two peoples in the future.