Philippines, Vietnam sign strategic partnership

During talks, both leaders agreed to maintain and enhance co-operation and visit exchanges at all levels, as well as organise activities to mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties in 2016. President Sang said Vietnam supported the Philippines in its TPP negotiations. The two Presidents witnessed the signing ceremony of the bilateral strategic partnership and attended a joint press briefing. President Aquino emphasised that the new partnership with Vietnam would provide further impetus to deepen co-operation, particularly in the areas of economic, agricultural, defence and maritime engagement, areas truly vital to the strategic interests of both nations.

Vietnamese State President - Truong Tan Sang & Philippine President - Benigno Aquino III (TTXVN)

"Vietnam has always been an important partner for the Philippines. We are committed to accompanying Vietnam through the vision to build a strong ASEAN Community which provides a fair play ground with many opportunities for member countries and which we are proud to hand down to future generations." - Benigno Aquino III, Philippine President.

The Vietnamese state president stressed that the signing of the joint statement on a strategic partnership following talks with the Philippines President opened a new era in bilateral ties.

"The Philippine president and I shared our concerns over the recent situation in the East Sea, affecting trust, peace, security and stability in the region, and spontaneously reaffirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea. We also discussed ways to address conflicts in the East Sea in accordance with international code. Based on the results that we have achieved today, I strongly believe that the strategic partnership will thrive, contributing to the sustainable development of the region." - Truong Tan Sang, Vietnamese State President.

Also at the event, the presidents witnessed the Exchange of the Signed Protocol to Amend the Philippines-Vietnam Memorandum of Agreement on the Supply of Vietnamese Rice to the Philippines.