OPAFA-PCOO PR
MANILA (26 May 2020) – The Philippines and Vietnam reaffirmed the shared commitment to pursue peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.
In a telephone conversation Tuesday evening, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the key roles played by both countries in promoting security and stability in the South China Sea.
President Duterte and Prime Minister Phuc reiterated their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.
Citing the Philippines as an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Prime Minister Phuc said the Philippines has “played well the role of Country Coordinator of ASEAN-China relations.”
Noting Vietnam’s chairmanship of ASEAN, President Duterte said the Philippines is “ready to support the endeavors of ASEAN.”
As Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue, the Philippines is actively pushing for the conclusion of a binding, effective, and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at the soonest possible time.
The Philippines and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2015. The two sides committed to enhance cooperation in a wide of areas — political, economic, socio-cultural, and defense and security cooperation, including in the area of maritime security.
