The Philippines and Vietnam are moving toward upgrading their decade-old strategic partnership, with both countries actively discussing a transition to a comprehensive strategic partnership, following a bilateral meeting between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday.
Meeting on the sidelines of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across key areas, including trade, agriculture, education, and cultural exchange.
“Our ministers are in discussion on the possibility of elevating the strategic partnership,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I believe there are already productive conversations between our two countries,” he added.
Prime Minister Pham noted the “remarkable progress” in ties since President Marcos’ state visit to Vietnam in January 2024.
“I hope that it has come to the point where we can elevate the strategic partnership between our two countries,” he said.
President Marcos began the bilateral meeting by expressing condolences on the recent passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, who died on May 20.
Both leaders recognized the growth of economic and trade cooperation between their nations, as well as enhanced collaboration in agriculture, food security, and people-to-people exchanges in education, tourism, and cultural affairs.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Philippines–Vietnam strategic partnership, a milestone that both leaders said reflects the depth of their nations’ cooperation and shared regional priorities.
The proposed elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership signals deeper alignment on regional security, economic resilience, and maritime cooperation, particularly in the context of ASEAN’s goals for unity and stability in Southeast Asia.
