According to information released by the Philippine Presidential Communications Office and widely cited by local newspapers, leader To Lam’s state visit from May 31 to June 1 will not only mark his first trip to the Philippines in his current position but also take place as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership.

Inquirer.net described the visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations, adding that leaders of the two countries are expected to discuss key areas of cooperation including trade, investment, food security, defence, maritime cooperation, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Meanwhile, Manila Bulletin particularly emphasised that Vietnam remains the Philippines’ only Strategic Partner in ASEAN, describing this status as a reflection of the high level of trust and deep cooperation developed between the two countries over many years.

The newspaper noted that the upcoming visit is expected to create new momentum for expanding cooperation across multiple strategic sectors in the coming period.

The Philippine News Agency (PNA) also reported that trade, food security, and defence cooperation would likely be among the priority topics during talks between senior leaders of the two countries.

Amid ongoing shifts in regional dynamics and global supply chains, Vietnam–Philippines cooperation is increasingly viewed as playing a more important role in supporting regional economic stability and security.

Philippine media outlets also highlighted growing people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.

More than 7,000 Philippine citizens are currently living and working in Vietnam, while the Philippine Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to officially open later this year to further strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

Other newspapers, including Tribune and The Manila Times, said the leader’s state visit would help deepen Vietnam–Philippines relations, particularly in trade, maritime security, regional connectivity, and economic cooperation.

Vietnam–Philippines relations have continued maintaining positive momentum in recent years, with bilateral trade steadily expanding and both sides targeting US$10 billion in two-way trade in the coming years.

As both countries play increasingly important roles within ASEAN, the visit is anticipated to generate fresh momentum for the strategic partnership between Hanoi and Manila.

Vietnam’s top leader To Lam to pay State visit to the Philippines

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and his spouse will pay a State visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Lady, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press communique.