Vietnam president arrives in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Vietnamese President and Communist Party leader Tô Lâm arrived yesterday in the Philippines for a historic two-day visit that seeks to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defense, maritime cooperation, food security and other key areas.

Lâm and his wife, First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly, arrived on a Vietnam Airlines flight at Villamor Air Base in Pasay at 12:40 p.m.

They were accorded full arrival honors and were welcomed by Philippine government officials led by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

The state visit is the first by Vietnam’s party leader to the Philippines.

The Philippines and Vietnam are about to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership.

Vietnam is the Philippines’ only strategic partner in Southeast Asia.

Lâm will lay a wreath in Rizal Park in Manila before proceeding to Malacañang for a bilateral meeting with President Marcos.

“The meeting between President Marcos and Lâm will be a landmark moment to further deepen the two nations’ political, defense and economic cooperation,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

“The two leaders will seek to reinforce the relationship, centered on strengthened collaboration in trade and investment, food security, defense and maritime cooperation, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges,” the PCO added.

Marcos will host a state luncheon for his Vietnamese counterpart.

There are more than 7,000 Filipinos in Vietnam.