Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and the high-level delegation at Villamor Air Base were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.,  minister in attendance to the President; Social Welfare Undersecretary Dian Arroyo Tantoco, Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Francisco Noel Fernandez III along with other Philippine officials.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh and his spouse, and staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy and members of the Vietnamese community in the Philippines were also on hand.

The visit carries special significance as it marks the first-ever visit to the Philippines by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It also takes place as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, while the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The Philippines is currently one of Vietnam’s key markets within ASEAN, particularly in agriculture and food trade. Vietnam remains a major rice supplier to the Philippines, contributing to the country’s food security while also providing stable export opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products.

However, despite strong political ties and the economic potential of both countries, bilateral economic cooperation still has substantial room for further growth.

The State visit is therefore expected to create new opportunities for both sides to expand cooperation in trade, logistics, high-tech agriculture, digital economy, renewable energy, fisheries and the maritime economy.

Top leader’s Philippines visit grabs regional headlines

VOV.VN - International and Philippine media outlets have described Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s State visit to the Philippines as a significant milestone in bilateral ties, opening new opportunities to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.