MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) signed an agreement on the establishment of a hotline to boost communication between the two maritime security groups. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PCG Chief, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and other government officials, the PCG said in a news release on Wednesday. Marcos and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong witnessed the signing of the agreement by Gavan and VCG commander Maj. Gen. Le Quang Dao. The MOU seeks to strengthen the 'understanding, mutual trust, and confidence' between the PCG and VCG through the discussion of common issues and interests and the establishment of the hotline. Gavan said the MOU would enhance the strategic partnership and cooperation between the PCG and VCG towards 'promoting, preserving, and protecting mutual interest in the Southeast Asian region.' Marcos returned to Manila early Wednesday from his stat e visit to Vietnam, which began on Monday. During the visit, Thuong lauded Marcos' achievements in developing the country's economy, foreign policies, security, and defense achievement. The Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent year on year in the fourth quarter of 2023. Among the major emerging economies in Asia that have already released their economic growth performance in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Philippines recorded the second fastest, after Vietnam (6.7 percent) but ahead of China (5.2 percent) and Malaysia (3.4 percent). Source: Philippines News Agency
