Vietnam leader sets foot in Manila ahead of APEC summit

MANILA, Philippines — Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang on Monday arrived in Manila on the sixth day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings.

Sang, aboard Vietnam Airlines, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 around 8:20 a.m.

Sang is scheduled to participate in the dialogue on “Strategies for Growth, Equity and Resilience,” at the summit focusing on inclusive growth and building resilience at the Makati Shangri-la on Tuesday.

A FEW MINUTES AGO: Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang arrives at NAIA Terminal 1. #APECManila pic.twitter.com/e005LJceTA

— Philstar News LIVE (@PhilstarLIVE) November 17, 2015

LIVE UPDATES: APEC 2015 meetings in Manila

He will join business executives of Blackberry, Merck Biopharma (China), Prudential Corporation Asia and Asia Society.

On November 10, reports said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose said that Vietnam and Philippines may sign a pact on strategic alliance and agree on strengthening maritime cooperation and economic ties at the sidelines of APEC leaders' meeting.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, however, said the two counties seek to improve trade, investment and maritime cooperation including search and rescue work at sea.

Both countries are involved in maritime disputes with China over its expansive clams in the South China Sea.

Sang serves as Vietnam president alongside Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong