The meeting, in preparation for the sixth session of the two countries’ joint committee, was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dao Viet Trung and his Filipino counterpart Enrique Manalo.

The two sides reviewed the results of cooperation between the two nations, especially in politics, economics, trade, investment, education and training and security and national defence since the fifth session of the joint committee held in Manila in February, 2008.

They also discussed measures to further boost bilateral cooperation and agreed that the sixth Vietnam-Philippines joint-committee meeting, co-chaired by two Foreign Ministers, will be held in Hanoi in 2010.

The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly cooperation within the ASEAN framework, in the lead up to Vietnam’s taking over the bloc’s presidency next year.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem received Filipino Deputy FM Enrique Manalo.

The Deputy PM and FM expressed hope that Vietnam and the Philippines will further intensify bilateral cooperation, especially at international forums, for mutual benefit, as well as for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

Deputy FM Manalo said he expected the sixth session of the Vietnam-Philippines joint committee will be a success, bringing benefit to both nations.