HCM City (VNA) - The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a gathering on June 16 to mark the 127th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Philippines (June 12) and a decade of the Vietnam–Philippines Strategic Partnership.
In her speech, Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association, described the event as a reflection of the enduring solidarity between the two nations and a shared commitment to a future of deeper, long-term cooperation within the ASEAN community.
Since they sealed the strategic partnership in 2015, trade has been booming, hitting 7.8 billion USD in 2023, up nearly 70% from a decade back.
National defence and security ties have also strengthened, with joint maritime patrols signaling enhanced trust. Cultural and educational exchanges have flourished, with thousands of students and professionals engaging across borders.
Xuan further said that her association has closely worked with the Philippine Honorary Consulate General and the Philippine Business Association to organise a range of cultural, educational, and business exchanges, further strengthening mutual understanding and bonds between the two peoples.
Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre pointed to the state visit to Vietnam by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in January 2024 as a milestone, with agreements signed in agriculture, culture, rice trade, and maritime cooperation. He noted expanding collaboration in national defence, security, agriculture, trade, and education, alongside a boost in tourism and commerce driven by increased direct flights.
With Ho Chi Minh City playing a pivotal role in bilateral engagement, Montealegre announced plans for cultural exchanges and business meetups in 2026 to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties./.
