PH, Vietnam to sign defense deal 

The Philippines and Vietnam will sign a defense cooperation deal to enhance ties between the two countries, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.

Teodoro said the agreement could help build momentum for cooperation between the defense and military sectors of Manila and Hanoi.

Earlier, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said the Philippines and Vietnam maintained their commitment to ensure that peaceful resolutions are in place in addressing tensions in the South China Sea.

The Department of National Defense said Teodoro and Vietnam Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang had signed the Letters of Intent (LOIs) on the Enhancement of Cooperation in the Field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) at Sea and Military Medicine.

According to the DND, the LOI on HADR at Sea reflects the intention of the Philippines and Vietnam to strengthen efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and other increasingly complex security challenges at sea.

On the other hand, the LOI on Military Medicine acknowledged the role of militaries in cross-border public health surveillance as well as in the prevention of disease outbreaks.

The LOI manifests the interest of both countries to enhance relevant capabilities through joint research and innovations, as well as the sharing of knowledge and best practices.

The defense ministers also expressed their unwavering commitment to deepen defense and military cooperation through continued interaction and engagements at all levels.

They also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Vice Ministers' Defense Strategic Dialogue (VMDSD) and Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG), as primary bilateral defense dialogue mechanisms, in revitalizing defense partnership between the two countries. — LDF/ VDV, GMA Integrated News