The Philippines and Vietnam have steadily strengthened their bilateral ties through deeper cooperation in strategic, economic, and people-centred sectors, Philippine Ambassador Meynardo Los Baños Montealegre has said.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the ambassador highlighted major progress in security, defense, and maritime cooperation, noting that it reflects both countries’ shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. Regular high-level exchanges over the years have helped build trust and elevate relations into a more mature partnership.
Economic ties have also expanded, with bilateral trade growing steadily, especially in agriculture and industrial goods. Both sides are working towards a target of US$10 billion in trade. Investment links are becoming more dynamic as Vietnamese firms explore opportunities in the Philippines, while Philippine companies expand in Việt Nam. Cooperation in education, culture, and tourism has further strengthened people-to-people ties.
Montealegre said digitalisation is central to the 2025–2030 action plan, calling it vital for competitiveness, governance, and public service delivery. He also underlined climate change as a shared challenge, stressing the need for cooperation in science, technology, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience.
Looking ahead, the ambassador said the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026 would open new avenues for cooperation, aligned with shared regional development goals.
