Vietnamese defense chief on PHL visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25): Vietnamese defense chief on PHL visit

Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phung Quang Thanh held a meeting with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and ranking Philippine defense officials during his Aug. 25-27 visit.

Both defense chief assessed joint activities of the two defense and military establishments and explored other cooperative initiatives to include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation given both countries’ experience on natural disasters.

The two leaders would also be exchanging views on recent security issues on mutual concern particularly on the situation in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea and the US’ policy of re-balancing in the Asia-Pacific.

Since the signing of the defense cooperation agreement between the Philippines and Vietnam in 2010, defense relations between the two countries have progressed through high-level visits, personnel exchanges and information-sharing.

These exchanges fostered government-to-government links as well as people-to-people ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Thanh's visit to the Philippines clearly reflects the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in jointly developing their defense capabilities and in contributing to regional peace and stability.

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