Vietnam, Philippines Build Broader, Substantive Ties for Half a Century

Vietnam and the Philippines have built broader and more substantive ties over the past half-century, founded on friendship. Two-way trade reached $7.8 billion in 2025, with the Philippines remaining one of Vietnam's largest importers of rice. Cooperation in education, cultural exchanges, and other areas has also continued to expand. The ninth friendship exchange between Vietnamese and Philippine navies was held on Song Tu Tay island in Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago. This event aimed to further strengthen friendship, cooperation, mutual trust, and understanding between the armed forces and navies of both nations, while effectively implementing bilateral naval cooperation agreements. On June 12, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung sent congratulatory messages to Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr on the occasion of the 128th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines. Vietnam has reaffirmed its role as a proactive, responsible, and reliable member of the international community through humanitarian assistance, economic diplomacy, and regional cooperation. The country's clear and consistent stance is that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully, respecting diplomatic and legal processes, without the use or threat of force, and in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam has called on the Belgian Senate to continue supporting stronger Vietnam-EU relations, including the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and promoting the European Commission's early removal of its "yellow card" warning against Vietnamese seafood exports. This recognition is for Vietnam's efforts to improve its legal framework and promote sustainable fisheries management. Furthermore, Vietnam emphasized the crucial, core, and frontline role of the People's Security Force in advising and organizing the implementation of the National Security Strategy. It urged for urgent innovation in working methods, active application of scientific and technological advances, and adjustments to plans and strategies to ensure proactive security in all situations. Vietnam's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in building a safe, secure, trusted, and sustainable cyberspace was underscored by its efforts in implementing the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (also known as the Hanoi Convention). These activities highlight Vietnam's proactive engagement in various international arenas. In a separate report, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence has gifted Laos a border station to enhance coordination between border guard forces and reaffirm solidarity. This gesture reflects Vietnam's commitment to regional stability and strong bilateral ties within Southeast Asia. Vietnam's active participation in international affairs is further evidenced by its signing of over 1,400 international commitments and agreements since the start of the 13th National Party Congress's term, with over 350 new pacts inked since early 2026, driven by high-level diplomatic activities. Other news includes the commemoration of six Cuban military experts who died 60 years ago supporting Vietnam's resistance war, reaffirming enduring solidarity. Vietnam's assistance to Venezuela following an earthquake was also highlighted as an expression of solidarity and goodwill. The country's rescue team recovered 57 bodies and worked under hazardous conditions. Vietnam's first honorary consulate in Phuket, Thailand, signifies a commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Andaman Sea economic gateway and supporting its citizens abroad. The Vietnamese community in Vienna, Austria, was praised for its unity and contributions to the city's development. Japan's Aichi Prefecture has maintained economic cooperation with Vietnam for over a decade, including support for businesses and a friendship agreement with Ho Chi Minh City. The twinning relationship between Thuy Phong village in Vietnam and Xop Tuong village in Laos serves as a model for fostering a shared border of peace and cooperation. General Secretary To Lam hosted farewell receptions for outgoing ambassadors from Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, and Brazil, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagements.