PM hails Philippines as important, trustworthy partner of Vietnam
(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talked over the phone with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, affirming that the archipelago nation is always an important and trustworthy partner that shares many concerns and strategic interests with Vietnam.
 PM Pham Minh Chinh during the phone talk with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, July 19, 2021. (Photo: Viet Bac/VGP) |
President Duterte said the Philippines has consistently treasured and worked to develop the countries’ strategic partnership, and that they appreciate Vietnam’s meaningful assistance in the recent past, including the medical supplies for the fight against COVID-19.
PM Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s readiness to continue ensuring stable and long-term rice supply for the Philippines, asking the latter to further open its market to food and agricultural products from Vietnam.
They also shared the view that vaccine is an important strategy to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards sustainable socio-economic recovery.
Both leaders agreed that their countries will strengthen ties and support each other at multilateral mechanisms like the United Nations and ASEAN.
They saw eye to eye on the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s solidarity and principles relevant to the East Sea issue.
They affirmed the close coordination of their stances and viewpoints to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and accelerate the negotiation between ASEAN and China on an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) that accords with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.