The Philippines, Vietnam’s defense ink and economic agreements, raise commitments
By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, A reporter
MANILA AND HANOI will expand their cooperation in defense, economic and agricultural, and tourism as they develop their improved cooperative relations, said Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday.
Mr. Marcos said the height, which happened at the end of 50th year of diplomatic relations between the two nations, confirming Vietnam’s “unique and permanent position” as the only strategic partner of the Philippines in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Marcos and Vietnamese President To Lam agreed to renew the 2010 Philippines-Vietnam Memorandum of Agreement on Defense Cooperation to strengthen joint capabilities in maritime security, military training and disaster reduction and control.
Both countries have competing claims in the South China Sea.
“We stand firm in our commitment to resolve disputes peacefully, based firmly on international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award,” said Mr. Marcos during their joint press conference.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a separate statement that the two leaders agreed to develop existing maritime cooperation mechanisms, including the Joint Commission on Maritime and Maritime Affairs at the Deputy Minister level, the Joint Working Group on Maritime and Maritime Concerns, and the implementation of the Understanding on Incident Prevention and Management in the South China Sea.
They will also improve the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation between the coast guards.
“They are also committed to resolving maritime incidents through peaceful and peaceful means in accordance with international law,” the DFA said.
The two countries also agreed to make full use of and regularly convene established bilateral mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation, including the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, the Joint Committee on Trade, defense and security dialogue, and consultation on maritime and maritime issues.
OVER $10 BILLION
Also on Monday, the two Southeast Asian countries aimed to increase trade beyond the target of $10 billion, by promoting a favorable environment for two-way investment in manufacturing, green technology and the digital economy.
“Agriculture remains an important foundation of our improved relationship,” said Mr. Marcos.
“Moving forward, we are opening new avenues for our cooperation in agribusiness, seafood processing, and joint scientific research on climate-resilient agriculture to ensure food security for both our peoples.”
Hanoi belongs to Manila for 11 yearsth great trading partner.
The Philippines and Vietnam also signed an MoU on Information Technology and Digital Transformation Cooperation and welcomed the completion of the 2026 to 2029 Tourism Cooperation Plan, which will strengthen tourism cooperation and improve air connectivity between the two countries.
The Philippine leader said the move builds on last year’s “strong” tourism activity, when nearly 500,000 Filipinos visited Vietnam and Vietnamese tourists are increasingly visiting the Philippines.
“We agreed to work closely together to improve air connectivity and increase commercial flight frequencies,” he said during a press conference in Malacañang.
In another statement, the Ministry of Tourism said that cooperation includes agreements to promote tourism, research and development, management and operations of tourism, human skills development and joint promotion and promotion.
They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and promoting the human rights, safety, welfare, equality and dignity of seafarers.
The two leaders ordered their authorities to review and improve visa policies and programs for seafarers to enable them to enter the two countries.
“We have recognized the urgent need for unity against serious cross-border threats such as cyber fraud, human trafficking, illegal gambling, and human trafficking,” said Mr. Marcos.
“We agreed to address these challenges quickly by accelerating intelligence sharing and law enforcement measures.”
He also noted the signing of the MoU between the University of the Philippines and the Academy of Public Administration and Governance, the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and the strategic partnership between VietJet and the Airworks Aviation Academy in Cebu for cadet pilot training.
Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said the two nations will launch joint cultural programs and commercial relations in the arts, including animation and game development.
“Using our shared dividend of young people, technology, and very young workers, we have agreed to launch joint cultural programs and commercial cooperation in the fastest growing creative sectors, including animation and game development,” said Mr. Marcos.
Finally, Mr. Marcos said the two nations discussed regional and international issues and affirmed their goal of promoting a people-oriented and people-oriented Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“Our discussions today made one fact abundantly clear: The Enhanced Strategic Partnership is not just about protecting our bilateral interests,” he said. “It firmly positions the Philippines and Vietnam as strong anchors for peace, innovation, energy and sustainable growth throughout ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific region.”
