Vietnam, Philippines discuss ways to deepen, broaden strategic partnership

At the meeting, the two foreign ministers vowed to continue to foster cooperation with regards to search and rescue missions at sea and in combatting terrorism, piracy, and transnational crimes, especially drug-trafficking. The pair also agreed to take stronger measures to boost economic cooperation in a bid to maintain two-way trade growth of more than 20% annually.

After the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Secretary Locsin signed a five-year Plan of Action for 2019-2024 to deploy the Viet Nam-Philippines Strategic Partnership.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh also paid a courtesy call to Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.