Philippines, Vietnam sign deals on maritime incident prevention, rice trade

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Vietnam agreed to prevent maritime incidents in the South China Sea and enhance cooperation among their coast guards, Malacañang announced Tuesday. 

Manila and Hanoi signed a memorandum of understanding on incident prevention and management in the South China Sea during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Vietnam.

The Presidential Communications Office said the two countries agreed to enhance coordination on maritime issues “bilaterally, within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and with other dialogue partners, with both sides intensifying efforts to promote trust, confidence, and understanding, through dialogue and cooperative initiatives.”

Despite overlapping claims in some parts of the South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam maintain generally friendly relations.

The two nations also agreed to develop a joint coast guard committee to discuss common issues and interests between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard. A hotline communication mechanism will be established between the two coast guards.

“Vietnam remains the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region, and I am hopeful that this meeting will provide fresh opportunities to reinforce our bilateral relations with the aim of fostering peace and prosperity between our two countries and in the region,” Marcos said in a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong.

Rice trade

The Philippines and Vietnam also inked an agreement on rice cooperation to ensure sustainable food supply in the face of climate change. 

Vietnam committed to a five-year trade agreement to supply white rice to the Philippine private sector, amounting to 1.5 to 2 million metric tons per year.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the Philippines is projected to remain the world's top rice importer, reaching a record 3.8 million tons in 2024.

Manila and Hanoi are also expected to exchange information on policies, plans and regulations, and other rice trade-related activities. 

An agricultural memorandum of agreement also seeks to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in 19 areas, including high-value crops, livestocks, aquaculture, smart agriculture, and farm management and sustainability.

The formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam started in July 1976. The two countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in 2015. 

His state visit to Vietnam marks Marcos’ second foreign trip this year, following his attendance at the royal wedding of Prince Mateen in Brunei. Since taking office in 2022, this is his 19th international trip. — Gaea Katreena Cabico