March 31, 2020 | 22:07 (GMT+7)
Vietnam, Philippines discuss cooperation amid complicated COVID-19 pandemic
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. have discussed on cooperation between the two countries at bilateral and multilateral levels amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, during their recent phone talks.
Minh extended thanks for the Philippines’s effective support and collaboration with Vietnam – the current ASEAN Chair, especially in fostering cooperation in dealing with the pandemic.
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Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
He expressed his belief that the two countries and other ASEAN members will soon overcome challenges to stabilize socio-economic development and accelerate the process of the ASEAN Community building.
Meanwhile, Locsin spoke highly of the effectiveness of the Vietnamese Government’s fight against COVID-19 as well as its initiatives in response to the pandemic.
The Philippines pledges to continue supporting and coordinating closely with Vietnam to fulfill its role as the ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the tenure 2020-2021, Locsin affirmed.
Both sides agreed to double efforts in further deepening the Vietnam-Philippines strategic partnership across fields, including health, trade, investment, and food security in the context of the current pandemic.
They also agreed to further strengthen coordination in regional and international issues, including the East Sea (South China Sea) issue.
Source: VNA