According to Colonel Bonavente, although this year marked his first time participating in the 8th PN-VPN Friendship Exchange Program, reports from previous editions had affirmed its status as a meaningful tradition and a unique example of diplomatic engagement between the two navies. He viewed the mechanism as an effective tool for promoting mutual understanding, particularly in addressing maritime security concerns.
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Colonel Joel C. Bonavente, Deputy Commander of the Western Naval Command of the Philippine Navy |
He emphasized that this year’s exchange program reaffirmed both navies’ commitment to peaceful and rules-based maritime conduct through expanded Confidence-Building Measures, including joint discussions on communication protocols, safety of navigation, and incident avoidance at sea. Aside from preserving the legacy of previous programs, this year’s edition also enhanced the mechanism’s value as a practical platform for maritime diplomacy.
Commenting on the activities observed during the exchange, Colonel Bonavente noted that the event showcased the two navies not just as maritime forces, but also as partners in peace. He was especially impressed by the genuine camaraderie between Vietnamese and Filipino naval personnel, which overcame language barriers and demonstrated that consistent, principled engagement can bridge gaps. He described the atmosphere as not only cooperative but uplifting, highlighting the professionalism of both navies.
He said that such active and genuine participation had significantly reinforced the credibility of the 8th PN-VPN Friendship Exchange Program, making it a model for constructive maritime relations. In his words, this exchange embodied the core principle that mutual respect is the foundation of lasting maritime partnerships.
Looking ahead, Colonel Bonavente suggested that future exchange program could benefit from expanded initiatives, such as mutual naval port visits and ship-to-ship dialogues. He underscored the importance of evolving the PN-VPN friendship exchange mechanism from a symbolic tradition into a strategic and practical tool for maritime diplomacy, ensuring its long-term sustainability and relevance.
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Naval officers and sailors of the two sides in a friendly football match during the exchange program. |
Regarding the performance of the VPN, Colonel Bonavente praised their high level of professionalism, warmth, and sincerity throughout the program. He commended their disciplined seamanship and respectful approach to regional cooperation and maritime diplomacy. According to him, the Vietnamese side engaged enthusiastically in every activity, demonstrating a strong commitment to building trust and promoting mutual respect.
He concluded that such active and genuine participation had significantly reinforced the credibility of the 8th PN-VPN Friendship Exchange Program, making it a model for constructive maritime relations. In his words, this exchange embodied the core principle that mutual respect is the foundation of lasting maritime partnerships.
Reported by Trung Thanh