While receiving Filipino Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in Hanoi on October 7, Mr Sang noted that bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Philippines have developed well in many areas, especially in economics, trade and investment. 

However, he said more efforts are required to boost bilateral cooperation to live up to the expectations of the two countries’ leaders and people.

The President said both Vietnam and the Philippines share the view that East Sea issues should be settled in the spirit of peace, cooperation and development and in respect for the sovereignty of every nation in the region.

He said the settlement should be based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).

He recalled the two countries’ standpoint of formulating the Code of the Conduct in the East Sea (COC) to solve pending issues.

For his part, Secretary Rosario briefed Mr Sang on the results of the 6^th session of the Vietnam-Philippines Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, which he said will help strengthen the friendly and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed his happiness at the constant development of bilateral relations after 35 years of diplomacy and confirmed that the Philippines wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam in all areas, notably in politics, national defence and security, marine issues, culture and education.

Secretary Rosario said both countries are preparing for the upcoming visit to the Philippines by President Sang.