Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships
Lam’s two-day state visit on Sunday and Monday comes as both countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations and a decade of strategic partnership, with Manila and Hanoi seeking to deepen cooperation on trade, food security, defence and maritime issues.
The two leaders would “seek to reinforce the relationship, centred on more dynamic collaboration in trade and investment, food security, defence and maritime cooperation, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges”, the Presidential Communications Office said.
Lam’s first visit since being elected as state leader comes as Marcos has sought to expand and strengthen security partnerships and alliances.
More than 7,000 Filipinos are currently based in Vietnam, with a Philippine consulate general expected to open in Ho Chi Minh City in mid-2026.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
