Vietnamese and Philippine navies exchange on Song Tu Tay Island

Forces stationed on Song Tu Tay Island (Vietnam) and Song Tu Dong Island (Philippines) had their first exchange on Song Tu Tay Island on June 8. The exchange aimed to build trust and enhance cooperation.

Each country sent 40 representatives to participate in the one-day exchange. The Philippine delegation was led by Colonel Carlito M. Barizo, Deputy Commander of the Western Philippine Navy. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Colonel Le Xuan Thuy, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4.

Welcoming the Philippine delegation to Song Tu Tay Island

“This is also a very meaningful event, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity, goodwill and responsibility of the two countries in general, and the two countries' Armies and Navies in particular, in seriously implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in the face of recent complicated developments in the East Sea caused by China's arrogant actions and serious violations of international law,” Colonel Le Xuan Thuy emphasized in his opening speech at the exchange.

During the exchange program, commanders and representatives of the two islands exchanged and shared information on search and rescue, maritime security, disaster warnings in the two islands' areas and activities in the next exchange at Song Tu Dong Island.

Colonel Le Xuan Thuy, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, delivered the opening speech at the first personnel exchange.

In addition, the two delegations also had cultural and artistic exchange activities and sports such as football, volleyball and tug of war.

The Philippine delegation also visited the statue of General Tran Quoc Tuan, the lighthouse, the meteorological station and Song Tu Tay Pagoda.

Previously, Defense Minister Phung Quang Thanh announced the time and purpose of this exchange in his speech on May 31 at the 13th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

This exchange also aims to implement the "Memorandum of Understanding between the Navies of Vietnam and the Philippines on enhancing bilateral cooperation and information sharing" signed on October 26, 2011 and the "Regulations on personnel exchange at Song Tu Tay and Song Tu Dong islands between the Vietnam People's Navy and the Philippine Navy" signed on March 12, 2012.

Representatives of the two delegations took a souvenir photo.

The two countries hope that the exchange activities will contribute to consolidating and strengthening the friendly relationship, creating a friendly, close and understanding atmosphere between the forces stationed on the two islands. Thereby, the two sides will strengthen coordination in responding to risks caused by natural disasters, coordinate search and rescue activities, share information on bad weather warnings and maritime security and safety issues, maintain order and security in the waters of the two islands, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and security in the East Sea region.

According to QĐND