VN, Philippines discuss cooperation amid complicated COVID-19 pandemic

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Photo: VGP

Minh extended thanks for the Philippines’s effective support and collaboration with Viet Nam – the current ASEAN Chair, especially in fostering cooperation in dealing with the pandemic.

He expressed his belief that the two countries and other ASEAN members will soon overcome challenges to stabilize socio-economic development and accelerate the process of the ASEAN Community building.

Meanwhile, Locsin spoke highly of the effectiveness of the Vietnamese Government’s fight against the COVID-19 outbreak as well as its initiatives in response to the pandemic so far this year.

The Philippines pledges to continue supporting and coordinating closely with Viet Nam to fulfill its double role as the ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the tenure 2020-2021, Locsin affirmed.

Both sides agreed to double efforts in further deepening the Viet Nam-Philippines strategic partnership across fields, including health, trade, investment, and food security in the context of the current pandemic.

They also agreed to further strengthen coordination over regional and international issues, including the East Sea issue./.

By Huong Giang