(VOVworld) - Both leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines have voiced their strong support for the Vietnamese and Philippines governments’ common stance towards settling East Sea disputes peacefully in line with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Filipino House Speaker Feliciano J.Belmonte. (Photo: Nhat Bac)

While receiving Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Manila on Thursday, House Speaker Feliciano J. Belmonte expressed his deep concern over China’s illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s waters. PM Dung appreciated the House’s stance and said that China’s recent move seriously violates sovereignty in the East Sea and threatens peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the region.
In a separate meeting with Senate President Franklin Drilon, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said both countries should strengthen cooperation and unity with the ASEAN and the world to denounce China’s acts in the East Sea and support the settlement of tension by peaceful means in line with international law. He said Vietnam wanted to strengthen practical cooperation with the Philippines for mutual benefit and regional peace, security and development.