On April 11, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received visiting Philippines Foreign Minister Jose Almendras in Hanoi.

Mr Phuc said the visit demonstrated the desire to foster a strategic partnership between the countries as this year Vietnam and the Philippines celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.

He suggested that the two governments continue to facilitate investment and business relations, including prioritizing rice trade.

The government leader called for more efforts to address major challenges such as maritime security, natural disaster, food security, the fight against terror and crimes to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Minister Almendras in turn said that Vietnam was the first country that he opted to visit as Foreign Minister.

He proposed that both governments boost cooperation in implementing their joint plan of action, people-to-people diplomacy and links between the two countries’ joint committees.

VOV