Vietnam has expressed its willingness to strengthen its naval cooperation with the Philippines.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Manila Hoang Huy Chung made this assurance in a courtesy call on Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Thursday.

“The Vietnam Ambassador also expressed the willingness of Vietnam to strengthen its coordination with the Philippines, particularly in the areas of maritime security concerns and to enhance both countries’ naval cooperation,” PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement Friday.

Other highlights of the meeting include future engagements of the PN and the Vietnam People’s Navy which include the latter’s participation in the upcoming Philippine-hosted Western Pacific Naval Symposium and other international naval activities where both Navies will participate.

Chung held various high-ranking positions in Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being appointed to his present post.

“This courtesy call is yet another manifestation of the PN’s unfaltering commitment in promoting stability, protection, and cooperation in the region, the Philippine Navy is firmly dedicated to continuing and further enhancing its commitment to strengthening ties and friendship with other regional Navies,” Roxas added. (PNA)