Leaders Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and To Lam pledge deeper cooperation in trade, security, food resilience, and regional stability as Manila and Hanoi enter a new era of partnership.
MANILA – The Philippines and Vietnam have officially elevated their bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and opening a new chapter of cooperation between the two Southeast Asian nations.Vietnamese leader To Lam and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the announcement on Monday during Lam’s two-day official visit to Manila, underscoring their shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, security, food resilience, and maritime cooperation.
Footage from Sunday showed To Lam arriving at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City alongside First Lady Ngo Phuong. As part of his official itinerary, Lam paid tribute to the Philippines’ national hero by laying a wreath at Rizal Park before attending a series of high-level engagements.The two leaders later joined business executives and government officials at the Vietnam–Philippines Business Forum 2026, where To Lam described the upgraded partnership as the beginning of a “new phase” in relations between Hanoi and Manila.He noted that over five decades, the two countries have built a strong foundation of friendship based on political trust, mutual respect, and common interests in promoting peace, stability, and development across the region.
Lam highlighted the significant growth in cooperation across politics, defense, security, trade, and investment since the establishment of strategic ties.The Vietnamese leader also expressed confidence in the Philippines’ leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2026, saying Manila is well-positioned to help advance a more united, resilient, and adaptable regional bloc amid growing global and regional challenges.President Marcos Jr. described the anniversary as a “golden jubilee” of relations and emphasized the importance of Vietnam as a key regional partner.
He said the two countries have cultivated a relationship built on economic resilience, mutual prosperity, and a shared vision for a strong, sovereign, and integrated ASEAN.“Cooperation among like-minded partners has become increasingly essential,” Marcos said, stressing that the Philippines’ relationship with Vietnam continues to gain strategic importance in an evolving geopolitical landscape.The decision to elevate bilateral ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership reflects both nations’ determination to deepen cooperation and present a united front in addressing regional challenges, including maritime security, food security, and sustainable economic growth.
