(Photos courtesy: PCG)

MANILA, (PIA) -- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Commander, Major General Le Quang Dao, have formally signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation in Hanoi, Vietnam on Tuesday, January 30.

The MOU strengthens the two parties' understanding, mutual trust, and confidence by developing a Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC) to discuss common issues and interests and establish a hotline communication mechanism between the PCG and VCG.

CG Admiral Gavan said this will enhance the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two Coast Guards toward promoting, preserving, and protecting their mutual interest in the Southeast Asian region.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong witnessed the exchange of bilateral documents between the two Coast Guard officials during the Chief Executive's state visit to Vietnam from January 29 to 31. (SDL/PIA-NCR)