The Vietnamese delegation was led by Permanent Vice President of the Viet Nam - Philippines Friendship Association Nguyen Thac Dinh to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Philippines (July 12, 1976 - 2023)
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| The delegation from Viet Nam - Philippines Friendship Association visited Laguna Polytechnic University (Philippines). |
Both sides expressed their delight at the rapid development of the multifaceted relationship between the two countries since the two countries signed the Joint Statement establishing the Strategic Partnership on November 17, 2015. This joint statement ushered in a new era of cooperation for the two countries' relations.
The delegation from Viet Nam - Philippines Friendship Association visited Laguna Polytechnic University as part of the working visit. In recent years, the Philippines has become one of the attractive choices for Vietnamese students and researchers because of its high quality of training, while the cost of studying and accommodation is reasonable.
The host from Laguna Polytechnic University, Dr. Mario Briones emphasized the increasing number of Vietnamese students at Philippine universities, especially PhD students. In 2006, there were only a few hundred people, but now there are over several thousand people. On the other hand, in terms of geographical location, the Philippines is close to Viet Nam, so it is very convenient for them to return home to visit family during the summer holidays or Tet.
Both sides agreed that, with the establishment of the Viet Nam - Philippines Friendship Association in 2014 and the Philippines - Viet Nam Friendship Association in 2015, they actively become a bridge for cooperation and friendship between the two peoples.
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| Two sides signed the minutes of the meeting, pledging to act as a bridge between the peoples of the two countries in particular and implement the agreements in the meeting minutes in order to contribute to the development of the strategic partnership between the two countries. |
Over the past time, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the leaders of the two associations have regularly exchanged information and co-hosted many activities on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam - Philippines diplomatic relations.
The Philippines - Vietnam Friendship Association highly appreciates the support from the guest for the construction of the busts of President Ho Chi Minh and Philippine national hero Jose Rizal at Thai Nguyen University on May 2, 2019. The host thanked the Vietnam - Philippines Friendship Association for working with the Viet Nam and World Newspapers to publish a special issue on such an occasion.
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| Many joint activities were held after the Covid-19 pandemic. |
At the meeting, the delegation leaders expressed their belief that the relationship and cooperation between Viet Nam and the Philippines will continue to bear fruit, under the guidance and support of the Governments of the two countries. Partners from the two countries will work hard to promote close cooperation and implement the strategic partnership, contributing to the common interests of the two countries as well as to peace and stability in the region and the world.
A history of multifaceted cooperation
The trade turnover between the two countries continues to grow, reaching over 3 billion USD in 2015 and 7.8 billion USD by 2022. Notably, Vietnam is the number one rice exporter to the Philippines. For more than a decade, Filipinos have been used to eating Vietnamese rice with good quality and cheaper prices than some other countries.
Regarding cultural relations, there were many meaningful and interesting education, and tourism activities such as "Vietnamese Cultural Days in the Philippines" and "Filipino Cultural Days in Viet Nam". There were imbued with the national identity of each country, contributing to enhancing the mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Long Pham / Vietnamtimes
