Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. applauded both the government and people of Vietnam for their efforts in efficiently working to prevent and control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic during a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on March 30.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Philippine Foreign Minister
Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. talk about cooperation in combating (COVID-19) epidemic

The call gave the two diplomats the chance to discuss the increasingly complicated developments of the ongoing pandemic globally and brainstorm ideas on bilateral and regional co-operation to combat the COVID-19.

Deputy PM and FM Binh Minh gave his thanks to Minister Locsin Jr. and the Philippines for their support and effective collaboration with the country, which is currently serving as the ASEAN Chair 2020, especially in working towards closer co-operation in order to deal with the pandemic.

He went on to express his confidence that high levels of determination and joint efforts will see both nations work alongside other ASEAN member states to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 and ultimately ensure socio-economic stability for the entire ASEAN Community.

The Philippine diplomat also hailed the country’s initiatives to increase co-operation during the ASEAN Year 2020, and gave a pledge to work closer to support Vietnam in its role as ASEAN Chair 2020 and as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

Both diplomats agreed to redouble their efforts to deepen the mutual strategic partnership across multiple areas, including co-operation on health, trade, investment, and food security in the context of natural disasters and epidemics.

They also consented to co-ordinate further in dealing with regional and international issues that come up, such as the East Sea issue.