The visit marks To Lam’s first trip to the Philippines as Party General Secretary and State President and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Vietnam and the Philippines share many similarities in geographical conditions, population size, levels of development, as well as historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Both nations are working towards raising bilateral trade to US$10 billion while expanding cooperation in food security, energy security and marine scientific research.

Upon the arrival of To Lam and his spouse at the presidential palace, President Marcos and his spouse greeted them at their vehicle and extended a warm welcome. The two leaders then walked along a red carpet to the ceremonial podium.

In front of the national flags of the two countries, a military band performed the national anthems of Vietnam and the Philippines while a 21-gun salute was fired in honour of the Vietnamese leader.

Following the ceremony, To Lam reviewed the honour guard of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. President Marcos then introduced members of the high-level delegations of both countries attending the welcome ceremony.

Built on five decades of steadily expanding cooperation across a variety of fields, the visit by Vietnam’s top Party and State leader is expected to lay the groundwork for a new phase in Vietnam-Philippines relations.

Immediately after the official welcome ceremony, To Lam and President Marcos led their respective high-level delegations into talks.

In his opening remarks, President Marcos said Vietnam is currently the Philippines’ only Strategic Partner in Southeast Asia, showing the importance of the bilateral relationship.

He noted that the two countries would elevate ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, creating a stronger foundation for cooperation in politics, defence and other areas.

“This is also an opportunity to further expand cooperation between our two countries. As we enter a new chapter, our bilateral relationship is shaped by vibrant cultural and people-to-people connections. These form the foundation of enduring solidarity between our nations, and we will continue to promote exchanges between our peoples, building on existing cooperation in areas such as education and culture,” Marcos said.

For his part,  the Vietnamese top leader congratulated the Philippines on its achievements in maintaining stability, boosting national development and improving living standards.

He noted that the Philippines has been among ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies for many years and that living standards have continued to improve.

To Lam expressed confidence that under President Marcos’s leadership, the Philippines will achieve its goal of becoming an upper middle-income country by 2028 and successfully implement its development strategy through 2040, transforming its economic model towards a prosperous, inclusive and resilient society.

He stressed that the Philippines is an important partner of Vietnam, with the two countries sharing strategic interests and a common vision, as well as a strong commitment to peace, stability, prosperity and respect for international law.

“We always wish to work with the Philippines to bring our Strategic Partnership to new heights, making it increasingly substantive, comprehensive and effective,” To Lam emphasized.

Philippine President hosts welcome ceremony for top Vietnamese leader

VOV.VN - Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse hosted a welcome ceremony on June 1 for Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their State visit to the Philippines.

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.