Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario. Photo: gov.ph

During the visit, the two Ministers co-chaired the meeting of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission on concluding a Strategic Partnership. During his stay in Manila, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh also paid a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar Binay.

On the basis of amity, equality, mutual respect and cooperation, the two sides stressed that bilateral relations between the Philippines and Viet Nam are growing in various aspects, including in politics, trade and investment, fisheries, marine and oceanic affairs, as well as defense and security cooperation.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. Regarding the East Sea issue, the two Ministers expressed their serious concern over the ongoing massive reclamation activities that pose threats to peace and stability in the region. The two Ministers reaffirmed their commitments to a peaceful resolution of disputes in the East Sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They reiterated their commitment to continue bilateral and multilateral cooperation towards the forging of an ASEAN Community and upholding the centrality and unity of ASEAN in the evolving regional architecture.