The Philippines and Vietnam had agreed to revive their joint marine scientific research expedition as both sides conveyed to uphold the rule of the law in the South China Sea.
Both nations decided to resume the joint marine research expedition which has been halted since 2007 during the ninth Philippines-Vietnam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns (JPWG-MOC) on Nov. 8.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the two countries discussed various initiatives for science-based cooperation particularly on marine scientific research, marine environment protection, and hydrometeorology.
"Both delegations also substantively covered other issues, including coordination within regional and international fora, fisheries, and maritime security cooperation," the DFA added.
The Philippine delegation was led by DFA–Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (DFA-MOAO) Assistant Secretary Maria Angela A. Ponce while the delegation of Vietnam was led by National Boundary Committee (NBC) Vice Chairman Nguyễn Mạnh Đông.
The JPWG-MOC is the main platform for dialogue and coordination, practical cooperation, and capacity-building activities among maritime agencies of the Philippines and Vietnam. The panel is convened annually.
The last JPWG-MOC was held in 2019. It is a specialized mechanism established under the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC).