President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic relations during their bilateral meeting on Monday in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Marcos noted that senior diplomats from the Philippines and Vietnam are currently engaged in discussions aimed at elevating the two countries’ existing strategic partnership into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Vietnamese prime minister acknowledged the “remarkable progress” in bilateral relations since 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,” The Vietnamese Prime Minister said.

Marcos noted that discussions are actively underway, reflecting the ongoing commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation.

“Our ministers are in discussion on the possibility of elevating the strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I believe there are already productive conversations between our two countries,” said the President.

The two leaders recognized the expanding economic and trade cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam. They also strengthened collaboration in agriculture and food security and enhanced people-to-people exchanges in education, tourism, and cultural engagement.

This year, the Philippines and Vietnam commemorate the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership, marking a decade of strengthened cooperation and enduring friendship between the two nations.

At the outset of the meeting, Marcos extended his condolences to the Vietnamese leader on the passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong on May 20. Presidential News Desk