The Philippines and Vietnam have formalized a higher level of cooperation after agreeing to elevate their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday.
The announcement was made during a bilateral meeting in Malacañang between Marcos and Vietnamese President Tô Lâm, where both leaders reaffirmed their intent to expand collaboration across key sectors.
Marcos said the upgraded ties would open broader avenues for cooperation, strengthen political and defense relations, and promote closer connections between the Filipino and Vietnamese people. He emphasized the importance of building stronger links, particularly in tourism, as well as in education and cultural exchanges.
The President also noted that Vietnam had previously been the Philippines’ only Strategic Partner in the region, making the latest development a significant step in their diplomatic relations.
He pointed out that both countries stand to benefit from deeper engagement, especially through increased people-to-people exchanges and expanded tourism initiatives that could support economic growth.
Marcos also highlighted the relevance of the partnership amid global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and evolving technologies that bring both opportunities and risks.
He said the Philippines and Vietnam share a common interest in upholding peace, stability, and a rules-based regional order grounded in international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The President further cited the strong economic ties between the two countries, noting that bilateral trade had surpassed 7 billion dollars, reflecting a mutually beneficial relationship.
For his part, Tô commended the Philippines’ economic performance, expressing confidence that the country would achieve its development targets in the coming years under Marcos’ leadership.
His visit marked his first trip to the Philippines since assuming his post in April and coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as a decade since their Strategic Partnership was established.