The Manila Times

VIETNAM TO SHARE INTEL ON DRUG TRADE

- CATHERINE S. VALENTE

THE Vietnamese government has agreed to share intelligen­ce informatio­n with the Philippine­s on the illegal drug trade in the region, President Rodrigo Duterte said as he returned to the country after a two-day trip to Hanoi.

In a news conference early on Friday in Davao City, the President said the two illegal drugs.

"They will share intelligen­ce data ... I’ll be sending some military and police, sort Duterte told reporters.

"They have agreed that it should be a concern, not only for the two nations, but for entire region," he added.

Duterte noted that the Vietnamese government had also launched a crackdown on drug suspects. "They are so strict about it. And, do not mess up with these guys. They have been at war for so many generation­s. They will not hesitate

In his arrival speech, Duterte Vietnamese counterpar­ts agreed to explore ways to intensify law enforcemen­t cooperatio­n against transnatio­nal crime.

The President also said the two - ment to maintainin­g and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and commerce in the region, particular­ly in the South China Sea.

"We called for a peaceful resolution of disputes including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, self-restraint in the conduct of activities, without resorting to a threat or use of force, in accordance with the universall­y recognized principles of internatio­nal law," Duterte said.

"We are nations for peace. We will continue to be so. A peaceful region is what we owe as a legacy to our succeeding generation­s," he added.

Bilateral relations, the President said, would be enhanced by a sixyear “strategic partnershi­p” plan.

"We agreed to increase the ex peoples and establish a six-year action plan starting 2017 for the implementa­tion of activities in the areas of common interest," he said.

"We have also agreed to increase the volume and achieve a more balanced trade and investment. We will enhance the investment environmen­t to make it more conducive for businesses," Duterte added.

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