VN, Philippines discuss bilateral, multi-lateral issues

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and the Philippines' FM Albert F. del Rosario, Ha Noi, July 2, 2014 - Photo: VGP

Both sides agreed to organize the first meeting of the joint foreign ministry-level working group which was set up to develop a roadmap for elevating the Viet Nam-Philippines relations to strategic partnership level, in the third quarter of 2014.

They also highly valued the significance of the realization of the bilateral cooperation agreements and mechanisms, including those on sea, ocean, and fisheries cooperation.

Deputy PM, FM Minh took the occasion to thank the Philippines for actively assisting and repatriating the Vietnamese fishermen who illegally fishing in the Philippines’ waters.

Regarding regional and international situation, both sides focused discussions on ASEAN cooperation and East Sea issue. The two countries affirmed to coordinate closely and redouble their efforts together with other ASEAN members to successfully build the ASEAN Community, uphold solidarity and promote ASEAN centrality in the regional cooperation and emerging regional architecture.

ASEAN needs to demonstrate a united and responsible voice over importance issues in the region, including the East Sea issue, for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Amid China’s unilateral illegal acts in the East Sea, including the placement of the oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Viet Nam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, the two sides reiterated the importance of seriously complying with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), which highlight principles on exercising restraint, solving disputes by peaceful means.

They spoke highly of ASEAN’s active role in and contributions to ensuring peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety in the East Sea.

The two sides underlined the importance of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the East Sea issued on May 10, 2014, which demanded an end to violations of international law and the DOC, and the existence of restraint to ease tensions and not further complicate the situation.

 The statement called for full and serious implementation of the DOC while speeding up practical discussions for the early conclusion of a Code of Conduction in the East Sea./.

By Huong Giang