Vietnam to share intelligence data on drug trade with PHL — Duterte

Vietnam will share intelligence data with the Philippines on the illegal drug trade, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday morning after arriving from his working visit in Hanoi.

Working together to combat illegal drugs, which is the centerpiece campaign of the Duterte administration, was among the areas of common interest between the two countries, according to the president.

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"They will share intelligence data. I'll be sending military and police, sort of an envoy for this specific purpose," Duterte said.

"They have agreed it should be a concern not only of the two nations, but the entire region," he added.

Duterte also confirmed discussing the maritime issues with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, but was mum on details.

"I'm sorry I cannot divulge it all because I don't have the authority from them," he said.

The Philippines and Vietnam have claims to parts of the South China Sea.

The bilateral meeting comes as Duterte has sought better ties with China, which also has wide claims in the disputed sea. Duterte has sought for better relations with Beijing despite an arbitral tribunal siding with Manila last July invalidating much of China's historical claims to the territory.

source:gmanews