Stronger bilateral ties with Vietnam eyed

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will seek stronger partnership with Vietnam in key sectors, including defense and maritime cooperation, during his bilateral meeting with Vietnam President To Lam tomorrow.

The Vietnamese leader, who is also the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, is scheduled to arrive in Manila today for a two-day state visit.

To Lam will commence his visit with a wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument tomorrow morning.

From Rizal Park, the Vietnamese leader will be accorded arrival honors at Malacañang prior to his bilateral meeting with Marcos.

This will mark the first state visit of Vietnam’s party leader to the Philippines.

The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Vietnam diplomatic relations this year and a decade of the two countries’ strategic partnership, the PCO noted.

Vietnam is the Philippines’ sole strategic partner in Southeast Asia. It is home to more than 7,000 Filipinos.

The Philippine consulate general in Ho Chi Minh is set to open in mid-2026.