The Philippines and Vietnam are in negotiations to further elevate their strategic partnership into a “comprehensive strategic partnership”.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN Summit in Malaysia on Monday.

“Our ministers are in discussion on the possibility of elevating the strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. I believe there are already productive conversations between our two countries,” Marcos said during their meeting, as quoted in a Malacañang news release.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister acknowledged the “remarkable progress” in bilateral relations since Marcos’ state visit to Vietnam in January 2024.

“I hope that it has come to the point where we can elevate the strategic partnership between our two countries,” the Prime Minister said.

Marcos also extended his condolences to the Vietnamese leader on the passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong on May 20, 2025.

The two leaders recognized the expanding economic and trade cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam.

They also strengthened collaboration in agriculture and food security and enhanced people-to-people exchanges in education, tourism, and cultural engagement.

The Philippines and Vietnam are commemorating the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership, marking a decade of strengthened cooperation and enduring friendship between the two nations. (PNA)