(VOVworld) – On Tuesday, the Philippines and Vietnam signed a strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation following bilateral talks between Filipino President Benigno Aquino and President Truong Tan Sang. President Truong Tan Sang is in Manila to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
During talks, both leaders agreed to maintain and enhance cooperation and visit exchanges at all levels, as well as organize activities to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties in 2016. They discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, where the Philippines pledged to share its experience as host of APEC 2015 and wished to consult Vietnam regarding its participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
President Sang said Vietnam supports the Philippines in its TPP negotiations. Both side pledged to boost solidarity and promote ASEAN’s central role in major security issues in the interests of each country and the entire region.
The two Presidents witnessed the signing ceremony of the bilateral strategic partnership and attended a joint press briefing.
President Aquino emphasized that the new partnership with Vietnam would provide further impetus to deepen cooperation, particularly in the areas of economic, agricultural, defense and maritime engagement, areas truly vital to the strategic interests of both nations.