Vietnam expresses gratitude for PH’s act of goodwill

• Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2821478166102/vietnam-expresses-gratitude-for-ph-s-act-of-goodwill
• Thursday, November 3, 2016

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano (JNPD/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

SUAL, Pangasinan November 3 (PIA) – “All of you have truly been the good reflection of human compassion.”

This was stated by Vietnam's ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong as he conveyed Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang's "profound gratitude" to President Rodrigo Duterte "for the swift and steadfast realization of his promise" to free the 17 Vietnamese fishermen caught in the territorial waters of the Philippines on September 8 this year.

"We, the Vietnamese people, especially the fishermen who are now going to return home today (November 2), as well as their family members, will forever be indebted to such act of goodwill, a kind and humanitarian gesture by you, Mr. President, and the Philippine people," he said.

President Duterte, who led the ceremonial send-off of the 17 Vietnamese fishermen held at the wharf and causeway of Sual town, fulfilled his promise that was made during his visit to Vietnam to free the Vietnamese nationals in view of good relationships between Philippines and Vietnam, both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

“Kind and generous, as he (Pres. Duterte) has always been, without hesitation he promised that he will order the immediate release of these fishermen and offer them all necessary providence that they can return home safely,” Truong said.

“They are very lucky that by the order of President Duterte they are free to return home with their own vessels with all fuels, foods and other supplies provided by the Philippine government,” he said expressing that he is “deeply moved”, and honored to witness the ceremonial send-off of Vietnamese fellow.

Meanwhile, Truong expressed gratitude to all concerned authorities for their efforts in facilitating the release of captured Vietnamese fishermen and to the people of Sual for allowing them to stay in their municipality.

“I believe our fishermen, shall forever treasure your kindness and hospitality during their short stay here in the Philippines,” he said.

In his closing remarks during the ceremony, Truong said, “Your excellency, you have done more than worth of this price. I would like to wish you all the best and great success in your noble cause for the prosperity of your people.”