IN his maiden foreign visit as Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras paid a courtesy call to newly-appointed Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc in the early evening of April 11 at the Prime Minister’s Office in central Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
The call on PM Phuc was followed by a call on Vet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at the Government Guest House.
The Vietnamese side expressed delight that the Secretary chose Vietnam to be the first country to visit as the Foreign Secretary of the Philippines. For his part, Secretary Almendras said “I am honored to be the first Foreign Minister to be received by Vietnam’s newly-appointed Prime Minister.”
Secretary Almendras discussed with Vietnam officials ways to further advance Philippines-Vietnam strategic partnership, which the two sides launched in November 2015 with the signing of the Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership in Manila.
Secretary Almendras noted “the establishment of a strategic partnership between our countries is a very meaningful event,” adding that “the friendship between the Philippines and Vietnam has no way to go but up.”
It was agreed upon that the Foreign Ministries of both countries should begin coordination to draft a new six-year Philippines-Vietnam Action Plan for 2017-2022 to implement the vision of the Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership. Areas for cooperation include closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as trade and investments, defense and security, agriculture and fisheries, science and technology, as well as culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The two sides agreed that it is important for the Philippines and Vietnam as strategic partners to also step up cooperation in maritime security, natural disasters, food security, terrorism and transnational crime. To this end, both sides agreed to enhance information exchange and increase frequency of contact and coordination between the relevant agencies.
On regional matters, the Secretary exchanged views with the Vietnamese side on latest developments in the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea and how the Philippines’ arbitration contributes positively to preservation of the rule of law in the region.
Emphasis was given on the vital role ASEAN centrality and solidarity play, including the non-claimant states, in coming up with a common position regarding the issue of the SCS / WPS. The Philippines and Vietnam stressed the need to fully implement the Declaration of Conduct on the Parties in the SCS / WPS and to step up efforts towards the early conclusion of a legally-binding code of conduct in the area.
Both sides also welcomed the celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, with commemorative activities to be implemented by the embassies and concerned agencies of the two countries, including exchange of high-level visits.
The Secretary also conveyed, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III, congratulations and best wishes on the election of President Tran Dai Quang, National Assembly Chairperson (Mme.) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and of course on the appointment of PM Phuc and reappointment of FM Minh as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. (DFA)