Phl, Vietnam sign defense cooperation agreement

Bilateral relations between the Philippines and Vietnam have reached “greater heights,” President Marcos said yesterday, as the two countries agreed on peaceful means to address tensions in the South China Sea.

- HELEN FLORES

“We have elevated the Philippines-Vietnam relations to greater heights,” Marcos wrote on Instagram following his meeting with Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang at Malacañang.

The President made the remarks as the two countries entered into a defense cooperation agreement signed earlier yesterday by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Phan at Camp Aguinaldo.

In the same post, the President also thanked Vietnam for supporting the 2016 Arbitral Award, which invalidated China’s massive claims in the South China Sea. “We thank Vietnam for supporting the Arbitral Award. Together, we remain committed to peaceful resolutions, de-escalating tensions and ensuring that the rule of law and a rulesbased international order prevail in our region,” Marcos said.