General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, along with his wife and a senior Vietnamese delegation, departed from Manila on June 1, wrapping up their two-day state visit to the Philippines at the request of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his wife.
A significant aspect of the visit was the discussions between General Secretary and President Lam and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where both leaders consented to upgrade bilateral relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, ushering in a new era of development for collaboration between the two nations.
Also Read: Indonesia Pushes Mass Transit to Cut Fuel Subsidy Costs
After the upgrade, both parties consented to collaborate closely on an action plan to execute the new partnership framework.
They promised to enhance political trust by boosting high-level exchanges, effectively utilizing current cooperation mechanisms, and fostering closer interactions among ministries, sectors, local areas, and citizens of both nations.
The two leaders consented to enhance substantial cooperation in defense and security, maritime and ocean issues, and encourage collaboration to protect freedom of navigation and air travel while ensuring regional peace and stability through established coordination systems. They also recognized key areas for improving economic collaboration aimed at providing real advantages to both populations and aiding national development objectives.
President Marcos Jr. restated that the Philippines is open to Vietnamese investors and promotes increased investment in areas like renewable energy, healthcare, and digital transformation.
Regarding regional and international matters, the two leaders reiterated their dedication to working closely together and providing mutual support in multilateral platforms.
They emphasized the significance of upholding peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight, along with settling disputes through peaceful methods in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Also Read: Vietnam and Thailand to Foster Cooperation in Potential Areas
They also concurred to collaborate with other ASEAN nations to advance discussions for a meaningful and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea/South China Sea that aligns with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.
In discussions with Philippine organizations and businesses, the Vietnamese leader emphasized the nation’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the investment climate and establish advantageous conditions for foreign companies, especially in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
Business representatives praised Vietnam’s accomplishments in socio-economic growth and reiterated their enduring commitment to sustaining and enhancing operations in the nation.
Also Read: Industry Minister Cites Korea's Competitive Edge in Canada Bid
During a gathering with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and Vietnamese community members in the Philippines, the leader emphasized the Party and State’s ongoing stance of viewing overseas Vietnamese (OVs) as an integral part of the nation and a vital asset for national growth.