(VOVworld) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang. Vietnam and the Philippines signed a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership in November, 2015. President Duterte’s visit will deepen bilateral relations in all spheres and contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Vietnam's President Tran Dai Quang and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the welcomeing ceremony in Hanoi

This is President Duterte’s first visit to Vietnam since he took office and the Philippines signed a strategic partnership agreement with Vietnam. The two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Close, friendly, and effective relationship

Vietnam and the Philippines established diplomatic ties on July 12, 1976. Over the past 40 years, the two countries have continuously nurtured a relationship based on friendship, equality, and mutual respect to the benefit of their peoples. Both countries have gained achievements in economics, politics, national defense, security, social welfare, and culture.

Their bilateral trade revenue has grown, reaching nearly 3 billion USD in 2015 and 1.7 billion USD in the first 7 months of this year. Since 2008, Vietnam has recorded an annual trade surplus of over 1 billion USD with the Philippines, mainly from exporting rice, electronic spare parts, and farm produce. Vietnam imports from the Philippines fertiliser, mechanical equipment and components, minerals, liquefied gas, oil and petroleum, medicines, and construction materials.

Defense cooperation has been expanded. Vietnam and the Philippines organized the 2nd policy dialogue of deputy defense ministers in April. The two countries have implemented agreements establishing a hotline between the Viet Nam Marine Police and the Philippine Coast Guard, enhancing cooperation and information sharing between their naval forces, and regulating interactions between the two countries’ naval forces near Vietnam’s Northeast Cay Island and Southwest Cay Island.

Marine cooperation became one of the key pillars of their bilateral relations with the establishment of the Joint Committee on Sea and Ocean Cooperation at the deputy foreign minister level. The two countries give priority to freedom of navigation, mrine economic development, and search and rescue. Cooperation in agriculture, education, and tourism has prospered.

Regular visits by high-ranking leaders have been organized. Vietnam and the Philippines have worked together and with other ASEAN countries to build a united and strong ASEAN Community and maintain ASEAN’s central role in regional issues. The two countries have cooperated and supported each other at regional and global forums.

Generating new momentum for the strategic partnership

At a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on the sideline of the ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, early this month, President Duterte said the Philippines treasures its strategic partnership with Vietnam and considers Vietnam a good neighbor and sibling. His visit to Vietnam is an opportunity for both countries to promote their strategic partnership in politics, security, defense, economics, and trade.