Vietnam vows cooperation with Philippines on sea dispute

MANILA, Philippines - The meeting between the foreign affairs chiefs of the Philippines and Vietnam concluded Thursday, with both parties vowing to cooperate on the settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that both countries expressed mutual stance to uphold the rule of law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in their long-standing claims on territories China calls it owns.

"The two sides agreed to cooperate in ensuring the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea/East Sea, peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law," DFA said in a statement.

DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario and Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also vowed to work on the the early conclusion of a binding Code of Conduct to guide behavior in the sea, DFA added.

"Both sides also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation in law enforcement, particularly to conclude agreements in extradition, mutual legal assistance, and transfer of sentenced persons," it said.

On the economic side, Vietnam and the Philippines also renewed joint efforts in promoting trade and investments and business linkages.

Minh's visit to Manila has sparked speculations that the countries are forging an alliance to counter increased activity of  Asian giant China in the contested islets.

The same has been said about the recent visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country is also embroiled  in a dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands.

Minh, meanwhile, also paid a courtesy visit to President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday.