Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam People’s Navy and the Philippine Navy successfully held their eighth friౠendship exchange on Song Tu Dong island 𒁃on July 12.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, and the Philippine side by Colonel Joel C. Bonavente, Deputy Commander of the Phillipine Western Naval Command. Following the success of the seventh exchange on Song Tu Tay island in July 2024, this year’s programme aimed to further strengthen the friendship, cooperation, mutual trust, and understanding between the armed forces and navies of Vietnam and the Philippines. It also served to effectively implement the cooperation documents signed between the two navies. Colonel Bonavente welcomed the Vietnamese delegation to the exchange, highlighting that the eighth exchange reaffirmed the two navies’ commitment to maintaining and ensuring a peaceful environment, and implementing laws-based maritime cooperation mechanisms, thereby building trust, preventing unnecessary incidents, and preserving and cultivating the valuable cooperative achievements the two sides have developed over the years. He noted that these exchanges help deepen mutual understanding and trust between the two navies, contributing to the growing friendship between the two nations and playing a vital role in maintaining peace, stability, security, and maritime safety of each country as well as in the region. For his part, Colonel Nam affirmed that the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines, the bilateral ties and the collaboration between the two navies have been continuously strengthened, yielding positive outcomes across various fields. He added that the organisation of this friendship exchange demonstrated the aspiration and goodwill of the two navies in building a peaceful and stable environment in Song Tu Tay and Song Tu Dong island areas and in the East Sea in general. It also showed their responsibilities to strictly observe the signed cooperation agreements. The ongoing exchanges reflect the goodwill and shared desire of both navies to foster a peaceful and stable environment around the two islands in particular and the East Sea in general. They also underscore the commitment of both sides to fully implement their naval cooperation agreements. The two sides agreed to hold the ninth friendship exchange on Song Tu Tay island at a convenient time. They also committed to continuing joint efforts to protect fishermen from both countries, share maritime security information, and provide disaster warnings in the region. As part of the programme, the two navies engaged in a series of friendly activities, including sports competitions, such as tug of war, obstacle course, and football, as well as cultural, musical, and culinary exchanges./.