Philippines and Viet Nam Reinvigorate Strategic Partnership

Secretary Enrique A. Manalo shakes hands with Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Mr. Bui Thanh Son, during the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Meeting held on 01-03 August 2023 at Hanoi, Viet Nam.

MANILA 04 AUGUST 2023 – The Philippines and Viet Nam reaffirmed their commitment to bolster their Strategic Partnership and strengthen relations during the 10th Philippines-Viet Nam Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Meeting held on 01-02 August 2023 in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

In a bilateral meeting co-chaired by the Philippines’ Foreign Affairs Secretary, Enrique A. Manalo, and his counterpart Mr. Bui Thanh Son, the two foreign ministers highlighted the success of the relationship between the Philippines and Viet Nam, explored ways to deepen and further the long-standing relations between the two countries, and reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN Centrality in promoting peace and development in the region.

The productive visit to Hanoi underscored the robust relations that the Philippines enjoys with Viet Nam, particularly in areas such as political, defense and security, economic, maritime cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation. Considering the changing landscape of global security and challenges, the visit also paved the way for the Philippines and Viet Nam to explore new areas of cooperation such as digital economy, renewables, and food security. Meanwhile, Viet Nam reiterated its existing support to the Philippines and pledged to continue working with the Philippines to enhance trade and investments between the two countries, and will continue to support President Marcos’ priority on food security.

Secretary Manalo also delivered a policy speech at the Diplomatic Academy in Viet Nam where he emphasized ASEAN centrality in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region, and expressed optimism on the effectiveness of ASEAN mechanisms in dealing with various emerging regional and global issues.

Secretary Manalo paid a courtesy call on Viet Nam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh. The Prime Minister emphasized Viet Nam’s commitment to reaching the target of US$10 billion trade between the two countries. The visit of the Secretary highlighted the positive thrust towards a more robust and more comprehensive relationship between the Philippines and Viet Nam, the sole Strategic Partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region. END