Colonel Joel C. Bonavente and Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam join naval personnel from Vietnam and the Philippines in a friendly sports exchange. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4.

Following the success of the seventh exchange on Song Tu Tay island last July, this year’s program aimed to further strengthen the friendship, cooperation, mutual trust, and understanding between the armed forces and navies of Vietnam and the Philippines. It also served to effectively implement the cooperation documents signed between the two navies.

Colonel Nam said the organization of this friendship exchange demonstrated the aspiration and goodwill of the two navies in building a peaceful and stable environment in Song Tu Tay and Song Tu Dong island areas and in the East Sea. It also showed their responsibilities to strictly observe the signed cooperation agreements.

The two sides agreed to hold the ninth friendship exchange on Song Tu Tay island at a convenient time. They also committed to continuing joint efforts to protect fishermen from both countries, share maritime security information, and provide disaster warnings in the region.