Top Vietnamese leader’s upcoming visit to Philippines marks new chapter in bilateral relations

Scheduled for May 31-June 1, the visit will be the first by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam to the Philippines, bringing together the highest leaders of the two countries for the first time in this capacity, told the diplomat.

The visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, providing an opportunity to review achievements over the past five decades and define priorities for future cooperation.

According to the Ambassador, discussions during the visit will cover all major areas of bilateral relations, including trade, culture, security, ASEAN cooperation, and coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations.

He emphasized that the visit is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a chance for both countries to shape a long-term vision for the next 50 years.

Ambassador Fernandez highlighted the strong progress made in bilateral cooperation. People-to-people exchanges have grown significantly, with nearly 430,000 Filipinos visiting Viet Nam and around 33,500 Vietnamese tourists traveling to the Philippines.

He attributed this growth largely to the expansion of direct air connectivity between the two countries, expressing his hope that Vietnamese airlines would continue expanding their services to further strengthen tourism and exchanges.

Educational cooperation has also deepened. Increasing numbers of Filipino students are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Viet Nam, while Vietnamese students are participating in internship and academic programs in the Philippines.

The Ambassador said these exchanges reflect growing partnerships between educational institutions and contribute to stronger long-term ties between the two peoples.

In the area of security and defense, cooperation has expanded through exchanges between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Viet Nam Coast Guard. Both countries are also promoting training programs, including English-language courses in the Philippines for Vietnamese defense personnel and Vietnamese-language training for members of the Philippine armed forces. These initiatives demonstrate the shared commitment of both governments to strengthening security cooperation.

Economic ties remain a key pillar of the relationship. Ambassador Fernandez noted that major Philippine companies have invested in Viet Nam in sectors such as food services, renewable energy, infrastructure development, and water treatment.

He also pointed to growing opportunities in international port operations, where Philippine firms possess significant expertise and are exploring potential partnerships with Vietnamese counterparts.

Viet Nam and Philippines: Active, complementary middle powers within ASEAN

Ambassador Fernandez described Viet Nam and the Philippines as active and complementary middle powers within ASEAN.

The diplomat noted that Viet Nam has made valuable contributions to ASEAN discussions through its experience in economic development and growth, while the Philippines has shared expertise in maritime affairs.

The proposal to establish an ASEAN Maritime Center as an example of the Philippines' efforts to strengthen regional cooperation.

The Ambassador also highlighted the growing importance of the blue economy. Both countries have strong interests in sustainable marine development and can learn from each other's experiences. The Philippines' maritime expertise and Viet Nam's efforts to develop marine tourism and aquaculture provide a solid foundation for future collaboration.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Fernandez expressed optimism about the prospects for trade and investment. General Secretary and State President To Lam will be accompanied by a business delegation, while a business forum will bring together enterprises from both countries to explore new opportunities.

The success of Philippine companies such as Jollibee, which now operates more than 230 outlets across Viet Nam and plans further expansion, he said, welcoming the growing presence of Vietnamese companies in the Philippines, particularly the introduction of electric vehicles by VinGroup.

The Ambassador stressed that cooperation between large corporations can create more sustainable and long-term economic partnerships. In addition to trade, Philippine companies are contributing expertise in areas such as highway construction, water treatment, and port management, while Vietnamese partners continue to seek opportunities for joint ventures and investment cooperation.

For the next decade, both countries aim to increase bilateral trade beyond its current level of approximately US$8.3 billion, told the diplomat, noting the significant opportunities in emerging sectors, particularly the blue economy, where the two countries can jointly explore and sustainably utilize marine resources.

The Ambassador expressed his belief that increasing interactions among young people will help build a strong foundation for future relations. Students who study in each other's countries develop lasting connections and become natural ambassadors of friendship, helping ensure that Philippines–Viet Nam relations continue to flourish in the decades ahead./.