Thailand, Philippines work to maintain regional peace, stability

BANGKOK: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pledged to work together with Thailand and other concerned sides to boost maritime cooperation and maintain peace and stability at sea.

He made the remarks during talks with Prime Minister Prayut Chan- ocha here on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency ( VNA) reported.

At a press conference following the talks, the leaders emphasised the need for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea ( DOC) in 2002 and complete the framework for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) this year.

Both sides agreed on maintaining peace, stability and security as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (South China Sea) for the sake of all countries in and outside the region.

The host leader said Thailand wishes the East Sea would be turned into the sea of peace, stability and sustainable development.

The two leaders discussed cooperation in security, especially in the fight against drugs traffickers, as well as measures to promote bilateral trade and investment.

They also witnessed the signing of three cooperation agreements covering animal breeding, tourism, and science and technology. — Bernama