THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan together with the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Commandant, Major General Le Quang Dao, successfully held the inaugural Bilateral Meeting between the two coast guard agencies in Hanoi, Vietnam on 24 April 2024.
The meeting follows the recent conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Maritime Cooperation signed last 30 January 2024 during the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It represents a significant upgrade from the earlier Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) establishing a hotline communication mechanism.
This milestone underscores the commitment to deepen cooperation between the VCG and PCG, enhancing hotline communication and establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC) to streamline information exchange and collaboration on maritime law enforcement. Aligned with international law principles, these efforts further mutual goals in maritime cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines.
During the meeting, both Commandants emphasized the importance of “informal but direct” communication channels to swiftly respond to maritime incidents and threats, fostering closer cooperation. Future cooperation where also discussed, including VCG to send ship for a port visit and joint exercise in the Philippines, continued participation in ASEAN Coast Guard Forum meetings, and VCG’s attendance as an observer at the Regional Marine Pollution Exercise 2024 in Bacolod, Philippines.
The PCG also provided updates on recent collaborative efforts, including the joint response to a maritime incident involving Vietnamese fishermen off Palawan, where the PCG, Malaysian authorities, and a Vietnamese vessel responded to provide assistance to the distress vessel. Said incident demonstrated the importance of regional cooperation in ensuring maritime safety and security.
Further, this collaboration holds immense value in addressing regional challenges through strategic partnership and alliance as they navigate together to enhance regional cooperation with likeminded coast guards in Southeast Asia. By fostering closer cooperation and collaboration, the PCG and VCG are better positioned to respond to maritime threats and challenges, ensure the safety of navigation, and promote the rule of law to uphold peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
The PCG and VCG reaffirm their commitment to advancing maritime cooperation and look forward to further strengthening their partnership in the years ahead.
