Following the ceremony, the two officials held talks to exchange views on the current situation in each country, as well as in the region and the world.
They also reviewed bilateral defence ties over the past few years. The two defence ministries signed an agreement in 2010 and the countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015.
The ministers said defence relations between Vietnam and the Philippines have seen positive development in all realms, particularly in the exchange of delegations at all levels, dialogues, naval co-operation, training, information sharing, joint working groups and bilateral navy consultations.
They agreed to further promote bilateral defence ties in the future, emphasising the regular maintenance of exchanges and supporting each other’s initiatives at multilateral forums.
The Philippine side pledged to support Vietnam in its hosting of military-defence conferences and activities when Vietnam takes over as chair of ASEAN in 2020. The two sides decided to boost co-operation in key fields, such as exchanges among young officers, the defence industry, non-traditional security, the air force and military medicine.
Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper's images of the welcoming ceremony
