President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his speech at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on January 29, 2024, before flying to Vietnam for an official visit. INQUIRER.net / Ryan Leagogo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called Vietnam the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) during a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng on Tuesday.
On the last day of Marcos’ state visit in Vietnam, the Philippine president said that bilateral cooperation between the two countries has ranged from defense, trade, agriculture, and more.
“Vietnam remains the sole strategic partner of the Philippines in the Asean region, and I am hopeful that this meeting will provide fresh opportunities to reinforce our bilateral relations with the aim of fostering peace and prosperity between our two countries and in the region,” said Marcos during the meeting.
Marcos thanked Thưởng for his invitation to the country, saying that he was happy to see the culture and economy of Vietnam.
“I wish to express my appreciation for the mutual high-level engagements that [have] been taking place between our countries, and I recognize that these visits are a testament to the thriving nature of our relations,” said Marcos.
While in Vietnam, Marcos is expected to secure rice trade and defense agreements.
READ: Vietnam is an important rice trade partner – Marcos
Marcos is set to return to the Philippines on Tuesday.