PM Nguyen Tan Dung gave a speech at a press conference jointly held by PM Dung and Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III in Manila to announce the outcomes of their talks on May 21. 

In the spirit of friendship, mutual trust and understanding, President Aquino and I have just had substantive talks with meaningful outcomes. We reviewed bilateral cooperation, which we believe is growing strongly.  Both sides attached importance to the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation and expressed resolve to make joint efforts for further advancing and deepening the friendship and cooperation as guided by the Framework of Bilateral Cooperation in the First Quarter of the 21st Century and the Following Period as well as other high-level bilateral agreements.

We agreed to effectively implement high-level agreements and achieve on schedule the targets set out in the Vietnam-Philippines Action Programme for 2011-2016. We will continue to promote the bilateral cooperation commissions, increase the exchange of delegations at high and lower levels, cooperate via the channels of Party, Parliament and people-to-people exchange, including joint efforts toward the establishment of a Vietnam-Philippines Friendship Association and a Philippines-Vietnam Friendship Association for enhanced mutual understand and trust.

Mr. President and I also agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and actively implement the bilateral agreements in defence and security, accelerate the negotiations on the Extradition Treaty, study the establishment of a defence policy dialogue at Vice-Ministerial level, advance cooperation in military logistics and defence industry, and actively consult and support each other at regional cooperation mechanisms on defence and security such as ADMM, ADMM+, and ARF, among others. We also reaffirmed that maritime and ocean cooperation is a pillar in the bilateral relations, and agreed to continue frequent exchange of views and coordination of positions and effective cooperation at bilateral mechanisms such as the Joint Commission on Maritime and Ocean Cooperation and the Group of Legal Experts on Marine Cooperation, and promote cooperation in marine science research, marine hydrometeorology and environment protection.

With regard to cooperation in economy, trade, investment and other areas, we agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to achieve the target of US$ 3 billion in two-way trade by 2016, facilitate businesses of both sides in their contacts and exploration of business and investment opportunities, increase connectivity between the two economies, and ensure food security. We both wished to cooperate in finance, banking, and services, and at the same time, encouraged cooperation and expansion of cooperation in other potential domains such as culture, education, healthcare, science and technology and tourism.

On the basis of the existing good relationship, we agreed to further advance and deepen the Vietnam-Philippines relations. We will elevate the comprehensive growth of bilateral relations to a higher level. Accordingly, we agreed to establish a Joint Working Commission headed by the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs to soon develop a roadmap towards Strategic Partnership in the interest of our respective country and for peace, stability, cooperation and development of the whole region. The roadmap is subject to approval by the two countries’ high-level Leaders.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, we also discussed extensively on regional and international issues. Both sides agreed to coordinate closely with each other as well as with other ASEAN countries to successfully build a united and strong ASEAN Community by 2015. We also agreed to continue collaboration and mutual support at regional and international fora.

With regard to the situation in the East Sea, Mr. President and I shared the deep concerns over the current extremely dangerous situation caused by China’s many actions that violate the international law, the UNCLOS 1982, and seriously infringe upon the waters of coastal countries. In particular, China’s illegal placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou 981 and deployment of escort vessels deep in the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of Vietnam have seriously threatened peace, stability, maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation in the East Sea. Vietnam and the Philippines are determined to oppose China’s violations and called on countries and the international community to continue strongly demanding China to immediately end its above-said violations and fully observe the international law, the UNCLOS 1982 and the DOC, and also make effort for an early conclusion of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Mr. President and I had fruitful bilateral talks with important common understanding on the ways forward for bilateral cooperation as well as our cooperation under the regional frameworks in the future.

Thank you.