President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. intends to sign an agreement with Vietnam that is deemed crucial to both countries amid the problems they face in the South China Sea.
Marcos said the agreement “is going to be a very big step” between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“Now that we are going to start discussions on the agreement that we have between the Philippines and Vietnam, I think it is a very, very important – it will be a very, very important part of our relationship and it will bring an element of stability to the problems that we are seeing now in the South China Sea,” Marcos said.
The President stated this during the farewell call of Vietnam Ambassador to the Philippines Hoang Huy Chung in Malacañang on Thursday, Aug. 10.
He affirmed that the Philippines and Vietnam have a good solid relationship that is beneficial for both counties, making it easier for them to face the “common challenges” “when it comes to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.”
“I really believe that we have to make these bilateral agreements. I think you will not be surprised and I think I’m not giving away any confidence that we will like to have these bilateral agreements as well with the other countries within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” Marcos said.
Chung told Marcos that Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong is thankful that the Philippine government is working closely with them, especially on their common interest in the South China Sea and the prevention of further incidents in the Philippine waters.
“And President, Vietnam, we have very respect for your thought that you are a friend to all, none enemy,” Chung said.
The chief executive also expressed his appreciation to Vietnam’s good relationship with the Philippines, which dated back since the administration of his father, late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
Chung paid a farewell call on the Chief Executive a few years after he was installed ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines in June 2020. He also served as the deputy director general of the Department of Maritime Affairs from 2017 to 2019, among other posts.
Marcos thanked the ambassador for his hard work in promoting friendly ties between his country and the Philippines.
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