PH, Vietnam reaffirm commitment to strategic partnership

THE Philippines and Vietnam on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership.

This came as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a bilateral meeting in Laos ahead of their participation in the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and related summits.

Marcos said the official agreements and discussions between the Philippines and Vietnam two years ago are now bearing fruit.

“We have made a lot of progress since our very first discussion and some of the agreements between our two countries. And I’m very happy that we can continue that,” he said.

“And it also gives us the opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and partnership. So thank you,” he added.

Marcos expressed his condolences for the loss of lives caused by Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for the death of Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong in July.

For his part, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to the Philippines.

“I would like to reaffirm our continued support for the strategic partnership with the Philippines. “I am pleased to note that the discussions we started two years ago have been effectively implemented,” he said.

The Philippines and Vietnam have signed several agreements, including cooperation in rice trade, incident prevention in the South China Sea, agriculture and cultural cooperation.

Marcos also met with the Filipino community in Laos following his arrival there on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, where he reiterated his commitment to advance the country’s interests during the summit, such as maintaining peace and security in the region, strengthening the economy and ensuring the well-being of every Filipino, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“The world and our region are facing challenging times. From conflicts in Europe (and) the Middle East, to global existential threats such as climate change and natural and man-made disasters, to transnational crime and economic decline – all of this affects lives and livelihoods in one way or another of peace-loving and hardworking people like you,” he said.

He also assured them that his government is doing its best to provide a better future for all Filipinos so that no Filipino leaves to seek greener pastures abroad.

“Tunay na napakarami nating pagkakatulad sa mga Lao, gaya ng ating pagpapahalaga sa ating espirituwalidad, pagmamahal sa pamilya, pakikipagkapwa-tao at paging bahagi ng nating komunidad, pagrespeto sa ating kapaligiran, at paginaring makabayan. Kaya naman, nais kong ipagpatuloy pa ninyo ang pagiging (ambassadors) of Philippine goodwill, ditto sa bansang Laos PDR,” the President said.

(We have a lot in common with the Laotians, such as our appreciation for our spirituality, love of family, conviviality and being part of our community, respect for our environment and patriotism. So I want you to continue to be (ambassadors) of Philippine goodwill here in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.)

“Gay ng sinabi ni Ambassador (Deena Joy Amatong), damang-dama naman (ang) mataas na pagtingin sa inyo ng mga taga-rito. By practicing your profession in a professional and expert manner, through your daily interactions with the local people, you have become valuable members of society. You make us all very proud!” he added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)