PH, Viet Nam to Enhance Strategic Partnership through Maritime Cooperation

VIET NAM, 17 May 2023 – The Philippines and Viet Nam have agreed to explore a broad range of maritime cooperation activities to enhance their strategic partnership during the 10th meeting of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns (JPWG-MOC), held last 15 and 16 May 2023 in Ha Long, Viet Nam.

The two sides agreed to strengthen coordination on maritime issues in regional and multilateral bodies, especially in working towards the conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct on the South China Sea.

The Philippines and Viet Nam had the opportunity to exchange views on the situation in the South China Sea. The two countries expressed serious concern over unilateral activities that undermine peace and stability in the region. They committed to work together to protect their rights and legitimate interests under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and enhance confidence-building measures between relevant agencies.

In her opening remarks, the Head of the Philippine Delegation, Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce said that the discussions were “critical in strengthening the friendship and strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam,” as the two countries “work towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.”

The delegations also conveyed their governments’ gratitude for the humane treatment accorded by both countries to Filipino and Vietnamese fisherfolk found in distress at sea.

Enhancement of joint activities in the fields of marine scientific research, meteorology, marine environment protection, search and rescue, oil spill preparedness and response, and fisheries were also discussed; as well as facilitation of maritime trade between the two countries.

Assistant Secretary Ponce was joined by representatives of the Department of National Defense, National Security Council, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, and the Philippine Embassy in Ha Noi.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Mr. Nguyen Manh Dong, Vice Chairman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ National Boundary Commission. Also present were officials from the country’s defense, transportation, and environment ministries, and maritime-related agencies.

Viet Nam is the Philippines’ only strategic partner in ASEAN with formal relations spanning almost 47 years. END

For more information, visit https://www.hanoipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinVietnam/.