(VNF) - On the morning of July 12^th , the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and Vietnam – Philippines Friendship Association (VPFA) solemnly celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of the Philippines (July 12^th 1976 – July 12^th 2016).

Attending the celebration were: VUFO chairman Vu Xuan Hong; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development - VPFA chairman, Vu Van Tam; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines, Mr. Noel Servigon; Deputy Director of Department of South East – South Asia Pacific, Party’s Central Commission for External Relations; and representatives of the Central Propaganda Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Information and Communication.

Vietnam and Philippines have established official diplomatic ties since July 12^th, 1976. During the past 40 years, relations between the two countries has witnessed significant growth in all fields: politics, economics, culture, education and tourism.

Accordingly, in the political field, Vietnam and the Philippines have formally upgraded their relations to a strategic partnership since 2015. This is particularly important in the current period and in the future, bringing benefits for not only the two countries, but for peace, stability and prosperity of the region also.

Economically, the Philippines currently has 62 investment projects in Vietnam. The most effective investment projects are in the fields of pharmaceutical and food industries. Bilateral trade volume increased from USD416 million in 2001 to USD3 billion in 2015.

In the agricultural sector, rice is the biggest trade item and Philippines is one of the most important rice export markets of Vietnam. The two countries signed an agreement on fisheries cooperation, in which both sides agreed to set up a hotline on issues arising in bilateral fisheries.

With favorable development, rich experience during the 40 years of exchanges and cooperation and mutual efforts, Vietnam – Philippines friendly relations will certainly gain further accomplishment, providing practical benefit for the two peoples; and supporting peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and in the world; said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, VPFA Vu Van Tam.

Mr. Vu Van Tam said, to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam – Philippines, VPFA in collaboration with Thai Nguyen University and Philippine Embassy in Vietnam, organized successfully a seminar on “Vietnam – Philippines strategic partnership: the role of public diplomacy and educational cooperation”.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines in Vietnam, Noel Servigon expressed his pleasure to attend the celebration of the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Vietnam.

There have been many changes since the historic visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Phan Hien to Manila in 1976. The two countries have opened embassies in their respective capitals. Nearly 30 bilateral agreements were signed in various fields of cooperation. Bilateral trade is increasing, especially in rice export from Vietnam to the Philippines; many Philippine private investors have contributed to the modernization of Vietnam by building factories and production facilities.

Ambassador Noel Servigon affirmed that the two countries would continue to work together for mutual prosperity, peace and friendly neighborly relations./.

( Complied by VNF )