Prime Minister meets Philippine President ahead of ASEAN summits

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the robust development of the Viet Nam-Philippines strategic partnership across fields over the past time and agreed to continue deepening the bilateral ties in a practical, substantive, sustainable and long-term manner, thus making positive contributions to a strong ASEAN community as well as for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Prime Minister Pham suggested the two countries continue to promote the effectiveness of the current cooperation mechanisms, especially the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation; accelerate cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade commensurate with the two sides' potential, and further open market for each other's products in a bid to soon reach the trade goal of US$10 billion by 2025.

Pham also urged the two sides to actively consider expanding cooperation to new fronts such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, digital economy, green economy, energy transition, and development of electric vehicle ecosystems.

President Marcos recalled his good impression of the outcomes of his State visit to Viet Nam in January this year, affirming Viet Nam is always an important strategic partner of the Philippines.

He agreed that both countries should coordinate closely in implementing the results of the visit and prepare for activities to mark the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the Viet Nam-Philippines strategic partnership next year.

Marcos suggested Viet Nam continue assisting the Philippines to ensure food security and effectively realize the Memorandum of Understanding on agriculture cooperation and rice trade signed earlier this year.

He spoke highly of Vingroup's electric vehicle development projects in the Philippines and cooperation projects in high-tech fields between the two countries.

Regarding maritime cooperation, the two sides agreed to continue consultation and close coordination on maritime issues, strengthen maritime cooperation, and promote the formulation of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

President Marcos affirmed the Philippines will continue humanitarian treatment for arrested fishermen in accordance with international law and the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders agreed to continue mutual support at international forums, especially ASEAN and the United Nations./.