Vietnamese President To Lam landed in the Philippines on Sunday to commence a two-day state visit geared toward deepening bilateral cooperation ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Manila and Hanoi in 2027.
Accompanied by First Lady Ngo Phuong Ly, the Vietnamese leader arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City around 12:40 p.m. via a Vietnam Airlines flight. He was greeted with full military honors, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. receiving the foreign delegation on behalf of the Philippine government.
Malacañang highlighted that the visit carries profound significance, arriving as both nations gear up to celebrate two major diplomatic milestones: half a century of formal relations and a decade of their strategic partnership.
Notably, this trip stands as the first official visit to the Philippines by a top leader of Vietnam’s Communist Party.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will formally welcome To Lam at Malacañang Palace on Monday. The two heads of state are slated to discuss an expansive bilateral agenda encompassing trade and investment, food security, defense and maritime cooperation, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges.
Vietnam currently holds the distinction of being the Philippines’ only strategic partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), serving as a cornerstone for Manila’s regional economic and security initiatives.
This high-level visit builds on previous talks between Marcos and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit, where both nations agreed to form a long-term rice supply framework. The deal aims to secure a stable grain supply and fortify food security collaboration.
As a primary exporter of rice to the Philippines, Vietnam plays a vital role in stabilizing local market prices and maintaining the country’s domestic food reserves.
In addition to agricultural ties, Manila and Hanoi have ramped up joint operations against transnational crimes, focusing specifically on human trafficking and online scam operations. The neighbors are also actively exploring new avenues for growth in investments, trade, and tourism.
Meanwhile, growing community ties continue to anchor the relationship between the two nations, with over 7,000 Filipino expatriates currently living and working in Vietnam.