Philippine, Vietnam defence chiefs vow to enhance cooperation

Defense chiefs of the Philippines and Vietnam agreed Monday to pursue further cooperation as Vietnamese defense minister General Phung Quang Thanh visited the Philippines. During their meeting, Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and visiting Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh "assessed joint activities of the defense and military establishment and explored cooperative initiatives," said Peter Paul Galvez, spokesman for the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND). Galvez said the initiatives include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief cooperation, "given both countries' experience on natural disasters." The two ministers also exchanged views on recent security issues of mutual concern particularly on the situation in South China Sea and the U.S. policy of rebalancing in the Asia-Pacific region, said Galvez. "The visit of General Thanh to the Philippines clearly reflects the commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in jointly developing their defense capabilities," Galvez said. The DND spokesman said defense exchanges between the two countries have been progressing since the signing of a defense cooperation agreement in 2010. Thanh arrived in Manila on Sunday for a three-day visit to the Philippines. He is scheduled to leave the country on Tuesday.