Marcos to Vietnam’s defense chief: We now have defense, security alliance

Vietnam Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang pays Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a courtesy call in Malacañang on August 30, 2024. (Photo from MPC Pool)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Philippines’ ties with Vietnam will further deepen following “significant” developments between the two countries’ relationship.

Marcos made the pronouncement after Vietnam Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang paid him a courtesy call in Malacañang.

“Your visit, I think, will serve as a further impetus, further push to increase that – the depth and the range of our relationship,” said Marcos in welcoming Phan.

According to Marcos, Phan’s visit to the country marked a “very significant point” in history between Vietnam and the Philippines.

“The Philippines and Vietnam have enjoyed good relations and we have continued to progress in those relationships,” the chief executive recalled.

“Whereas before, (it) comprised only of our diplomatic connection, we now talk about defense cooperation, security cooperation, maritime cooperation, and certainly, on the area of trade as well,” he made the distinction.

Meanwhile, Phan, for his part, extended his gratitude to Marcos and the Philippine government for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation since they arrived in Manila on Friday.

“And it’s my great honor to convey the greetings and best wishes from our senior leaders from Vietnam, namely General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man,” Phan said.

He also expressed gratitude for Marcos’ state visit in Vietnam back in January 2024 which “opened up new opportunities to further promote and innovate the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines in various areas.”

Phan also emphasized the “very good interactions and exchanges” between the Philippines and Vietnam, especially the navy-to-navy discussions of the two nations.

“And we believe that as a responsible member of the ASEAN Community, the Philippines will further play a very active and dynamic role to contribute more to the ASEAN Community,” he added.

Among those present in the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

Vietnam’s Navy Commander-in-Chief Tran Thanh Nghiem, Director General of Vietnam Department of Foreign Affairs Vu Thanh Van, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh and Director General of National Defense Pham Ngoc Hung also joined the event.