PANO – The second personnel interaction between Vietnamese and Philippine forces stationed respectively on Southwest Cay (Song Tu Tay) Island and Northeast Cay Island (Song Tu Dong) was held on May 27th on Song Tu Dong Island. The Philippine delegation was led by Captain Carlito M. Barizo, Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces West, Philippine Navy. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Senior Captain Le Hong Chien, Deputy Commander of the Naval Zone 4.

The two delegations posing for photo

The interaction, which was first held in June 2014 with success, aims to build trust, promote cooperation between the two countries and realize the Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing bilateral relations and sharing information between Vietnam People’s Navy and the Philippine Navy.

During the interaction, leaders and representatives of the two islands discussed and shared information about search and rescue missions, maritime security, and natural disaster prevention at sea, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and security in the East Sea. They also prepared contents for the following interaction next year. In addition, the two sides held many art exchanges and sport activities such as football, volleyball and tug of war.

The two countries expect that personnel interactions will contribute to consolidating and promoting friendly relations, creating a friendly environment of mutual understanding between the two navies in general and the two units of the two countries stationed on the two islands in particular.

Translated by Anh Tien