Strengthening international partnerships, advancing educational programs, and overseeing major infrastructure developments were among the key priorities of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. this week.
As part of the administration’s foreign policy focused on promoting peace and safeguarding national interests, the Philippines and Vietnam formally elevated their bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during the state visit of Vietnamese President To Lam.
The milestone comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations this July and marks a decade since Manila and Hanoi established a Strategic Partnership in 2015.
The upgraded relationship was announced following a bilateral meeting between Marcos and To Lam at Malacañang on Monday. The move is expected to deepen cooperation in areas such as defense and security, trade and investment, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
Both leaders also witnessed the signing of several agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration in defense, information technology, digital transformation, tourism, and education.
In addition, the Philippines and Vietnam pledged to further expand their economic ties by surpassing their shared trade target of USD10 billion while working toward a more balanced trading relationship.
Later that day, Marcos attended the Vietnam-Philippine Business Forum at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, where he encouraged Vietnamese companies to explore investment and business opportunities in the country.
Addressing business leaders, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to economic cooperation, stating “open to partnership, ready for investment, and eager to work.”
with Vietnamese investors.
He also highlighted the country’s goal of becoming a “premier destination for smart, sustainable manufacturing and high-value services” through continued economic reforms and investment-friendly policies.