Hanoi (VNA) – The fourth defencepolicy dialogue between Vietnam and the Philippines took place in Manila onAugust 6-8 with the aim of enhancing bilateral defence partnership.

The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese DeputyMinister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh and PhilippineUndersecretary of Department of National Defense Cardozo M. Luna.

On the occasion, Vinh had meetings withPhilippine Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, National SecurityAdviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, and Executive Director of Cabinet Cluster onSecurity, Justice and Peace of the Presidential Office Emmanuel T. Bautista.

At the dialogue and meetings, the Philippine officialshighly valued the visit of the Vietnamese defence delegation, saying the twocountries’ defence cooperation has been making important contributions todeepening the bilateral strategic partnership.

They affirmed to enhance cooperation with Vietnamand prioritise the field of defence because the two nations could share a lotof benefits and challenges in terms of strategy. 

The Philippine side thanked Vietnam forsupporting and saving Philippine fishermen being in distress at sea.

For his part, Vinh said Vietnam hopes to step updefence relations with the Philippines on the basis of respecting the countries’independence and sovereignty, contributing to the maintenance of peace,stability and security in the region.

The two sides had in-depth exchanges of views onregional security and military-defence cooperation in the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as the defence relations betweenVietnam and the Philippines.

They agreed to improve all bilateral andmultilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms to effectively cope withemerging challenges. 

ASEAN cooperation mechanisms or ASEAN-led ones,including the ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM , play asignificant role in ensuring peace, stability and development in the region,they affirmed and agreed to strengthen solidarity and maintain the central andleading role of ASEAN in the regional security architecture.

Both sides expressed their satisfaction over thebilateral defence cooperation over the past time, especially the exchanges ofdelegations and viewpoints on strategic issues, cooperation among armysoldiers, and information sharing.

They were unanimous to continuously implementfully cooperation contents in the signed agreements.

Vietnam and the Philippines also agreed toactively support each other at multilateral forums, especially in 2020 whenVietnam takes the role of ASEAN Chair, to maintain solidarity and consensus andpromote the central role of the ASEAN.-VNA