The Philippines and Vietnam have strengthened their diplomatic relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership, announced President Ferdinand Marcos during a state visit by Vietnam’s top leader To Lam to Manila on Monday.
According to Marcos, both nations share common goals in preserving peace, stability and a rules-based order throughout their region. He emphasized that this partnership has grown in significance as the area faces a changing and unpredictable global landscape.
The enhanced relationship will be “defined by wider pathways for cooperation, stronger political and defence cooperation, and closer linkages between the Filipino and Vietnamese people,” Marcos stated.
Within the ASEAN region, Vietnam stands as the Philippines’ only strategic partner, having upgraded their relationship a decade ago in a demonstration of solidarity against China.
To Lam described the Philippines as an “important regional partner of Vietnam,” pointing to shared vision and strategic interests, along with strong commitments for peace and stability. “We always want to bring the strategic partnership with the Philippines to a new high,” he said.
Earlier this year, the coast guards of both countries conducted their inaugural joint exercises, even though both nations have competing territorial claims to certain South China Sea areas.
