Philippines to further economic ties with Vietnam

Hanoi (VNA) - Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said she will do her utmost to further boost bilateral cooperation with Vietnam , particularly in economics, trade and investment.

Talking with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Washington on June 24, the
Philippines President expressed her wish to receive assistance from
Vietnam in the fast-changing price hike in the world and four-fold increase
in inflation in the Philippines , which have badly influenced the
Philippine people's life.

President Arroyo thanked the Vietnamese Government for supporting and
supplying rice to the Philippines , saying that Vietnam 's assistance is
precious to her country as it is facing difficulties in ensuring food
security.

PM Dung said Vietnam exported 2.2 million tonnes of rice in the first
six months of this year and the figure is expected to reach 4.5 million
tonnes in 2008.

He told his guest that his government is taking comprehensive measures to
curb inflation, such as tightening monetary policy and slashing budget
spending along with boosting production and export.

The Vietnamese government leader extended condolences to President Arroyo
over her country's losses caused by the recent typhoon and proposed that the
two nations early deploy their joint patrols to ensure security and order at
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