Vietnamese and Philippine naval forces have promoted closer cooperation through a ninth “friendship exchange,” held on Song Tu Tay island in Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) special zone.

The event, hosted by the Vietnam People’s Navy, brought together a Vietnamese delegation led by Colonel Bui Quang Thuyen, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, and a Philippine delegation led by Commodore Francisco C. Cacho, Deputy Commander of the Philippine Navy’s Western Naval Command.

Both sides said the exchange strengthens friendship, mutual trust and practical coordination, while implementing bilateral naval cooperation agreements. They added that the two navies have maintained sustainable cooperation mechanisms such as annual exchanges, bilateral consultations, information sharing, and participation in each other’s conferences and multilateral activities.

During the visit, the navies exchanged information on search and rescue, maritime security and disaster warning. The program also included friendly competitions and cultural exchanges, aimed at building stronger coordination for safety and security in regional waters.