Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that talks on maritime cooperation would be a key aspect of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam. Marcos, on a two-day state visit to Hanoi, expressed the aim to strengthen maritime cooperation to promote peace and stability in the region.
During the visit, Marcos is expected to engage with top officials in Vietnam, working on agreements related to coastguard cooperation and rice supply. The Philippines, one of the world’s largest rice importers, sees potential collaboration with Vietnam, a major rice exporter.
In addition to maritime issues, Marcos highlighted the broader agenda of discussions, including trade, investment, education, tourism, and addressing regional and multilateral concerns. He expressed the hope that the visit would elevate relations between the two nations and “usher in a new era of friendship and cooperation.”
While both Vietnam and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, their relations have generally been amicable compared to the heightened tensions between the Philippines and China. The South China Sea remains a contentious issue, with China asserting extensive claims that have been rejected by an international tribunal in 2016. The visit to Vietnam aligns with the Philippines’ recent efforts to strengthen diplomatic and military ties, especially with the United States.
