The Vietnam – Philippines Friendship Association (VPFA) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), hosted a meeting in Hanoi on June 11^th to celebrate the 120^th National Day of the Philippines (June 12^th, 1898-2018).

VPFA Vice President Vu Xuan Truong at the event. (Photo: Phuong Mai/VNF)

Addressing the event, VPFA Vice President Vu Xuan Truong congratulated the Philippine people on their achievements in national construction and development, particularly on their successful role as ASEAN Chair in 2017.

He noted with pleasure that since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1976, Vietnam and the Philippines have seen encouraging development in bilateral ties. In recent years, Vietnam and the Philippines have witnessed progress in bilateral relations. In late 2015, the two countries signed an agreement to elevate bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership. Two-way trade surpassed USD 4 billion in 2017, an annual increase of 25 per cent.

Truong said he believed that with development momentum and prolific experience after 42 years of bilateral co-operation and joint efforts, the friendly relations and multifaceted co-operation between Vietnam and the Philippines would continue to flourish and benefit both nations, for peace, stability, co-operation and prosperity in the region and the world.

He also briefed the participants on activities hosted by the VPFA to boost economic and cultural links and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Delegates at the meeting pose for a group photo.

For his part, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Noel Servigon expressed his thanks to the VPFA for hosting the celebration, affirming his belief that the two countries have huge potential to further develop cooperation activities.

He noted that since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties over 40 years ago, the Vietnam-Philippines relationship has recorded remarkable developments in all fields, including politics, economics, culture, education and tourism.

The two nations officially elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015, which has brought about mutual benefits and contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Noel said.

Voicing his pleasure to attend the celebration, the diplomat hoped that the two countries would continue their co-operation moving towards prosperity for each country as well as peace and friendly neighbourhood./.

VNF