(VOVworld)- The 8^th session of the Vietnam-Philippines Bilateral Cooperation Committee opened in Hanoi on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the Philippines Foreign Minister Albert del Rosaria

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the Philippines Foreign Minister Albert del Rosaria reviewed the results of their 7^th meeting and discussed ways to step up bilateral cooperation in politics, security, national defense, trade, science, and technology. They agreed that upgrading their bilateral ties will create motivations for the two countries but also contribute to peace, stability, development and cooperation in the region and solidarity within ASEAN. They agreed to further cooperation in national defense, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and increase the exchanges of naval forces and coast guards. The two sides discussed activities to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of bilateral ties next year.