Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II, Pasay City
September 28, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte laid out his objectives in his two-day official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam during his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II.

“I look forward to renewing the ties of friendship between the Philippines and Vietnam, and reaffirm the commitment to work closer to achieve shared goals for our countries and peoples,” he said.

Likewise, the President said bilateral talks with Vietnam President Trần Đại Quang would be focused on bolstering existing partnership in economic, agricultural, defense and maritime cooperation. These include identifying emerging areas of partnership in the fields of maritime security and law enforcement.

The Chief Executive highlighted the need to seek ways to advance collaboration in the campaign against illegal drugs trade towards realizing an ASEAN Drug-Free Community.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, the President is scheduled to meet with the Filipino community on his first day of visit.

“I am confident that, as we build on the outcomes of this visit, the relations between the Philippines and Vietnam will become even stronger, pursued — as it has to be —with mutual respect, closer cooperation and deeper understanding,” he said.

President Duterte’s visit to Vietnam coincides with the 40th anniversary of relations this year. Next year, both countries will lead the region’s annual convergence — Philippines as ASEAN chair and Vietnam as APEC chair.

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