PM Phuc meets Philippine President on ASEAN Summit sidelines

• PM holds dialogue with Singaporean business leaders
• PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits Port of Singapore, Supply Chain City

At their meeting, the two leaders expressed their elation at the strategic partnership as demonstrated through regular meetings and exchanges, especially in security and defence, and improved economic-trade ties. Last year's bilateral trade exceeded US$4 billion, an annual increase of 25%,with rice trade delivering practical mutual benefits.

PM Phuc asked both sides to continue their exchange of high-ranking delegations, and actively carry out cooperation mechanisms, particularly in oil spill response, search & rescue at sea, sustainable marine management, fisheries and anti-terrorism.

Duterte told Phuc that his nation treasures the friendship and collaboration it shares with Vietnam, and stays ready to work with Vietnam in sectors in which, both nations can supplement each other.

He said he expects further bilateral cooperation in rice trade and Vietnam to be a stable and long-time rice supplier for the Philippines.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues of shared concern, including collaboration within ASEAN, the East Sea issue, and fight against marine crime. PM Phuc used the occasion to congratulate the Philippines on its successful ASEAN chairmanship in 2017. 

Regarding the East Sea issue, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters. Disputes must be peacefully resolved in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),  they affirmed.

They also voiced support for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and early conclusion of an effective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China.