Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong on March 5 held phone talks with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim.
In the talks, Cuong stressed that 2026 holds special significance as it marks the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Philippines (1976–2026), and also the year the Philippines assumes the role of ASEAN Chair. These milestones provide important opportunities for the two countries to strengthen ties, he said.
The Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to elevating the Strategic Partnership with the Philippines to a new height, making it more substantive and comprehensive.
Herrera-Lim congratulated Vietnam on the successful organisation of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, expressing confidence that with the vision and determination of the Party and the State, Vietnam will successfully realise its socio-economic development goals and continue making positive contributions to peace, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia.
Both sides noted that cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines has become increasingly comprehensive, substantive and effective in recent years, particularly in political-diplomatic ties, maritime cooperation, defence and security collaboration and people-to-people exchanges.
They agreed to continue strengthening political trust, increasing exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations, and promoting bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while seeking breakthroughs in several priority areas, contributing to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
On this occasion, the two officials also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. They concurred on continuing mutual support at regional and international forums, while working together to strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s unity and centrality in the regional architecture. They also pledged to jointly maintain a peaceful and stable environment conducive to development in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region./.
