Vietnam and the Philippines Strengthen Cooperation, Sea Issues in the Spotlight

Vietnamese President To Lam met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, June 1. The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation, including in the maritime, trade, defense, and regional issues. (Photo: VNA)

JAKARTA - Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to upgrade their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. The agreement was reached when Vietnam's supreme leader, To Lam, met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila, June 1.

Vietnam News Agency (VNA) quoted Monday, June 1, reported that To Lam's visit was the first visit by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam to the Philippines. The momentum also coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1976-2026.

Marcos Jr. called Vietnam the only country in Southeast Asia that has a strategic partnership with the Philippines. He said that this improved relationship would strengthen political, defense, security, and other areas that directly affect both countries.

To Lam stated that Vietnam wants to deepen its neighborly relations with the Philippines on the basis of peace, stability, and respect for international law.

"Vietnam always appreciates and wants to deepen the friendly neighborly relations with the Philippines in all fields," To Lam said.

During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to formulate action programs to implement the new cooperation framework. They will also strengthen high-level contacts, exchange of delegations, cooperation mechanisms, as well as inter-institutional and inter-regional relations.

The issue of the sea is one of the important points. Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to strengthen cooperation in security, defense, maritime, and marine affairs. Both also emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and flight, as well as maintaining regional peace and stability.

The two countries will also share experiences in eradicating IUU fishing, namely illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This cooperation includes the protection of marine environments and sustainable fisheries.

According to VNA, Vietnam and the Philippines also target a trade value of 10 billion US dollars as soon as possible. Both agreed to reduce trade barriers, open markets for agricultural products, including fresh fruit, and expand cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, high-tech agriculture, and renewable energy.

Marcos Jr. called Vietnam an important partner for the Philippines in providing fertilizer and rice to maintain food security. He proposed that the 3rd meeting of the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Committee on Trade be held immediately.

The Philippines also opened the door to Vietnamese investors in the renewable energy sector, health services, and digital transformation.

Education, culture, and tourism cooperation were also discussed. Marcos Jr. hopes that the flow of tourists between the two countries will increase and inter-university cooperation will be strengthened, especially in new fields such as artificial intelligence.

The two leaders also agreed to encourage sustainable agriculture, regenerative agriculture, infrastructure connectivity, additional direct flight routes, cooperation on major ports, electronic government, smart cities, and the application of artificial intelligence.

At regional and global forums, Vietnam and the Philippines committed to strengthening coordination at the UN and ASEAN. Marcos Jr. thanked Vietnam for its support when the Philippines became ASEAN Chair in 2026.

Both also emphasized that the settlement of disputes must be carried out peacefully based on international law, including UNCLOS 1982. Vietnam and the Philippines will coordinate with ASEAN countries to promote the Code of Conduct in the East Sea or COC, which is a guideline for the behavior of countries in the East Sea / South China Sea that is effective and in accordance with international law.