PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte arrived in Vietnam Wednesday afternoon for a two-day visit, where talks would tackle the South China Sea row and cooperation against the illegal drug trade. In his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Duterte said he would identify areas of partnership with Vietnam, particularly in maritime security and law enforcement. Duterte was scheduled to meet members of the 3,800-strong Filipino community in Vietnam at Hanoi’s Intercontinental Hotel on Wednesday. Duterte on Wednesday said the Philippines and Vietnam, both maritime nations, have common strategic interests. “I look forward to exchange views and explore opportunities further significantly improving our economic bilateral cooperation, including stronger partnership in economic, agriculture, defense and maritime cooperation,” he said.

Source: Manila Times September 28, 2016 17:25 UTC