Vietnam PM assures Duterte of long-term rice supply for Philippines

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has assured President Rodrigo Duterte of a “long-term” rice supply for the Philippines to ensure food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Duterte and Phuc had a conversation on Tuesday night as requested by the Vietnamese leader, according to the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

In his telephone call with Duterte, Phuc said Vietnam would “continue to supply rice to the Philippines on a long-term basis at competitive prices,” a statement welcomed by the President.

“The Philippines thanks Vietnam for its kind support in assuring supply of rice,” Duterte was quoted as saying.

The President also said Vietnam is a vital partner in food security.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar had previously said the Philippines will get commitment from Vietnam to honor previously signed import contracts, totaling 1.248 million metric tons (MMT) of rice, comprising 90% of 1.376 MMT that has yet to be delivered.

The balance of 5% each will come from Thailand and Myanmar.

Aside from rice trade, Duterte and Phuc also discussed bilateral and regional cooperation to defeat COVID-19 and Vietnam’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Nations this year. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News