Speaking at a meeting with the Vietnamese community, businesses and experts in the Philippines on May 31, Party General Secretary and President To Lam, who arived thể on the same đay for a two-day State visit, highlighted the role of overseas Vietnamese as a bridge in strengthening Vietnam–Philippines relations.

He praised the Vietnamese community in the Philippines for their efforts in stabilising their lives, integrating into local society, preserving national cultural identity, and contributing to bilateral friendship and cooperation.

He also briefed participants on Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements as well as outcomes of recent visits to Thailand and Singapore, noting that Vietnam is currently the Philippines’ only strategic partner within ASEAN, with bilateral relations developing positively across multiple fields.

Reiterating the Party and State’s consistent policy, the Vietnamese leader said overseas Vietnamese affairs are always given priority, with the diaspora regarded as an integral part of the nation. He added that relevant policies will continue to be reviewed and improved to facilitate stronger engagement and contributions to national development.

He encouraged the Vietnamese community in the Philippines to further promote solidarity, support one another, comply with local laws, preserve the Vietnamese language and cultural identity, and actively contribute to homeland-oriented activities.

He also urged the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines to continue strengthening engagement with the community, enhance citizen protection, support community organizations and help overseas Vietnamese further serve as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh, the Vietnamese community in the Philippines, though modest in size, remains strongly connected to the homeland and actively contributes to friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

With their local knowledge and extensive networks, overseas Vietnamese have become an important link in promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and the Philippines.

Community activities promoting Vietnamese culture, cuisine and national identity have also helped strengthen mutual understanding and reinforce the foundation of the Vietnam–Philippines strategic partnership.

Vietnamese leader To Lam pays tribute to President Ho Chi Minh in Philippines

VOV.VN - Shortly after arriving in Manila for a State visit to the Philippines, Party General Secretary and President To Lam laid flowers at the Ho Chi Minh Monument in the ASEAN Garden on May 31, paying tribute to the late Vietnamese leader and reaffirming the values of peace, friendship and cooperation he championed.