Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Vietnam have ramped up relations that aim to deepen cooperation on defense, maritime affairs, trade, digital transformation, and regional security in facing regional challenges.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the upgrade after bilateral talks with visiting Vietnamese President Tô Lâm in Malacañang on Monday, June 1.
“Today, we elevate our ties to an enhanced strategic partnership, which will be defined by wider pathways for cooperation, stronger political and defense cooperation, and closer linkages between the Filipino and Vietnamese peoples,” Marcos said.
Manila and Hanoi mark half a century of diplomatic relations and the 10th year of their strategic partnership.
Marcos said the enhanced partnership reflects the growing importance of bilateral relations as both countries navigate geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, trade pressures, and emerging technologies.
“There is no doubt that the Philippines and Vietnam share a common interest in maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in our region anchored firmly on international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,” he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea..
Vietnam is the country’s only strategic partner in Southeast Asia.
Key officials from both sides signed four agreements on defense, digital transformation, tourism, and academic cooperation.
Tô Lâm called the Philippines “an important partner” and expressed support for deeper cooperation.
“The Philippines is an important partner of Vietnam in the region and both countries share similar strategic visions and interests and a strong commitment towards peace, stability, prosperity, and rule of law,” he said.
“We always wish to work closely with the Philippines to further elevate our strategic partnership to a greater height with ever-increasing substance, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness,” he added.
Tô Lâm is the first Vietnamese leader and concurrent general secretary of the communist party to embark on a state visit to the Philippines.
