Duterte eyes cooperation with Vietnam in sea row, war on drugs

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President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday left for a two-day official visit to Vietnam in a bid to strengthen maritime cooperation and seek ways to suppress the proliferation of drugs in the region.

“Upon the invitation of His Excellency, President Tran Dai Quang, I am leaving for Hanoi for a two-day official visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,” Duterte said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia.)

The President said he looked forward to renew the ties between the Philippines and Vietnam.

“I look forward to exchanging views and exploring opportunities further, significantly improving our economic bilateral cooperation, including stronger partnership in economic, agriculture, defense, and maritime cooperation,” he said.

On top of the President’s agenda was to boost maritime and defense cooperation between the two nations.

“We will seek to identify emerging areas of partnership particularly in the fields of maritime security and law enforcement,” he said.

READ: PH, Vietnam seen to review defense cooperation in Duterte visit

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said that Duterte may likely raise our maritime dispute with Vietnam during his visit.

Proliferation of illegal drugs

Duterte said the Philippines and Vietnam would “seek ways to advance collaboration” in the fight against illegal drugs.

READ: Filipinos in Vietnam back Duterte war on drugs

“We will work with Vietnam and the rest of the Asean in suppressing the proliferation of illegal drugs for us to secure a better future for our generation and the generations to come,” he said.

Duterte said he would work closely with Vietnam to strengthen our countries in the region.

“Upon my return, I will report on the accomplishment of what we may gain, particularly in the key bilateral issues impacting our relations,” he said.

“I am confident that, as we build on the outcomes of this visit, the relations between the Philippines and Vietnam will become even stronger, pursued, as it has to be, with mutual respect, closer cooperation and deeper understanding,” he added. IDL