Press Statement

of

HON. TEODORO L. LOCSIN JR.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs

At the Conclusion of the 9th Meeting of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC)

[Delivered at Diamond Hotel, Manila, Philippines on 06 March 2019]

Good morning.

Today was another milestone in our five-year-old Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and I convened the 9th Meeting of the Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation and discussed the deepening and broadening of our relations and cooperation.

Though only our 9th JCBC meeting, we mark this year the 25th anniversary since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding that established this principal and most important of our two countries’ dialogue mechanisms. And as 25 is associated with a coming of age, so is our relationship with Viet Nam entering a new important chapter. 

Building on the excellent work of our Senior Officials yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Pham and I adopted the new Philippines-Viet Nam five-year Plan of Action covering the period 2019-2024. This Plan of Action, like its predecessor document for the period 2011-2016, is the product of inter-agency consultations and thorough bilateral negotiations. It comprehensively maps out specific commitments we will undertake jointly in the political, security, economic, and cultural spheres, as well as in other various areas. 

In tandem with the Agreed Minutes we adopted at the conclusion of this 9th JCBC, these important documents attest to our resolve to drive our relations forward and onward. As two of ASEAN’s most dynamic economies, and as two countries faced with similar challenges, we draw lessons not only from our gains and accomplishments but also from lessons in areas where we might have fallen short.

With almost 45 years of bilateral relations dating back to 21 July 1976, ours is a friendship that rests on close cooperation and recognition of a common stake in common regional security concerns. Today, we looked back at the status of our partnership and found fresh impetus to move forward with greater confidence. 

At this juncture, allow me to take this opportunity to express the Philippines’ sincere appreciation for the support and dedication of our counterparts from Viet Nam led by Deputy Prime Minister Pham, which ensured a productive meeting. 

The Philippines looks forward to Viet Nam’s hosting of the 10th Meeting of the JCBC in 2021.

Thank you. END