By Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos
SINGAPORE – President Duterte met Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and Indonesian Prime Minister Joko Widodo on the sidelines of the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit here Friday.
In Duterte’s bilateral meeting with Nguyễn, the two leaders discussed the Philippines’ purchase of rice from Vietnam.
Vietnam reiterated their willingness to supply quality rice to the Philippines.
“Nanindigan lang po ang Vietnam na susuplayan nila tayo ng bigas kapag tayo ay nangangailangan at susuplayan nila tayo sa mababang halaga at sa mabuting kalidad ng bigas,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said. “At ang Presidente naman ay sumangayon na ang quality naman talaga ng Vietnamese rice ay napakaganda,” he added.
Duterte’s meeting with Nguyễn came following reports that the National Food Authority rice supply is running low.
The Chief Executive also discussed the arrest of fishermen for illegal fishing in Philippine and Vietnamese waters with Nguyễn. However, Duterte stressed that the issue is not a big deal.
“Our President stressing hindi naman masyadong malaking issue ito. Ito’y maliit na bagay, so bandang huli nire-release naman,” Roque said. “At nagpasalamat naman ‘yun pong Prime Minister ng Vietnam lalong-lalo na nung nalaman nila na si Presidente mismo ang nag-send-off noong huling mga pinalayang mangingisda,” he added.
Roque also said that the two leaders agreed to enhance security cooperation between the two countries.
Duterte thanked Vietnam for being kind to Filipinos working in their country and appealed for the repatriation of a certain Rommel Aleria.
On the other hand, Roque said that Duterte talked about modern-day terrorism and extremism with Widodo during their pull aside meeting.
“They talked about increased security, fight against illegal drugs and transnational crimes, and implementation of trilateral maritime and air patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia,” Roque said.
Duterte underscored the importance for both the Philippines and Indonesia to remain resolute in the fight against violent extremism while addressing both the symptoms and causes of terrorism.
The Chief Executive also aimed to even further trade agreements with Indonesia and invite Indonesians to participate in the government’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build!” infrastructure program.
