The Philippines and Vietnam are preparing to sign the coastal guards cooperation agreement.
Bloomberg reported that when Manila and Beijing's tensions in the South China Sea heated up, the Philippine President President Marcos sought to strengthen partnership in the region.Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary of State Aileen Mendiola-Rao said at a press conference on Friday (January 26), and Macatus visited Vietnam next Monday (29th) and will discuss with Vietnamese leaders.Maritime issues.
As a part of the agreement, Macatus and Vietnamese leaders will discuss possible activities.
A spokesman for the Philippine Coast Guard, Balillo, revealed on the phone on Thursday (25th) that the Philippine Coast Guard agreement will cover marine environmental protection and search and rescue operations from the Philippines and Vietnamese fishermen.
Balillo said: "We plan to set up a coastal guard hotline to promote the coordination of both parties."
The Philippines and Vietnam have claimed that they have some sovereignty in the South China Sea, while China claims to have the sovereignty of almost the entire South China Sea.Balillo said the cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the Vietnamese Coast Guard was not targeted at China.
Vietnam is the only strategic partner of the Philippines in Southeast Asia. The Philippines signed a strategic partner agreement in 1976.
