PH, Vietnam reaffirm commitment to peace, stability in SCS

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks on the phone with Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Phuc at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang, Manila on May 26, 2020. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – The Philippines and Vietnam reaffirmed the shared commitment to pursue peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea (SCS).

In a telephone conversation Tuesday evening, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the key roles played by both countries in promoting security and stability in the SCS.

Duterte and Phuc reiterated their commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea.

Citing the Philippines as an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Phuc said the Philippines has “played well the role of Country Coordinator of Asean-China relations.”

Noting Vietnam’s chairmanship of Asean, Duterte said the Philippines is “ready to support the endeavors of Asean.”

As Country Coordinator for Asean-China Dialogue, the Philippines is actively pushing for the conclusion of a binding, effective, and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea at the soonest possible time.

The Philippines and Vietnam elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2015. The two sides committed to enhance cooperation in a wide of areas — political, economic, socio-cultural, and defense and security cooperation, including in the area of maritime security. (OPAFA-PCOO)