Philippines, Vietnam discuss resumption of joint research expedition
Credit to Author: Pia Lee-Brago| Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0800
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Vietnam have discussed the resumption of the two countries’ Joint Oceanographic and Marine Scientific Research Expedition in the South China Sea.
During her visit in Hanoi, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for bilateral relations and ASEAN affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister and chairman of the National Boundary Commission Nguyen Minh Vu had a comprehensive discussion on issues of mutual interest, especially in the maritime domain.
The two senior officials underscored the importance of upholding international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and pursuing peaceful and constructive approaches in managing the situation in the SCS.
The two officials noted the progress in the negotiations on the code of conduct in the SCS and positive outcomes that arise from the continued coordination among the ASEAN claimant states.
The two countries will convene on the 11th Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Oceans Concerns and the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in the Philippines later this year.
As part of her working visit to Vietnam, Lazaro called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi.
The two senior diplomats welcomed the broadening scope and increasing areas of collaboration between the two countries in the maritime domain and in economic interaction and the regular high-level engagements that are set to take place in the coming months.
They also exchanged views on the need to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN claimant states in the SCS.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Philippines-Vietnam Strategic Partnership, which bodes well for the celebration of the 50th year of diplomatic relations in 2026.