Vietnamese leader arrives in Manila

VIETNAMESE President and Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm arrived in Manila on Sunday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic, trade and strategic ties between the Philippines and Vietnam amid growing regional security and food supply concerns.

Mr. Lâm is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday, with discussions expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, food security, agriculture, tourism, education and maritime affairs.

The two leaders are expected to witness the signing of agreements and issue joint statements following their meeting in Malacañang, according to the Palace.

Vietnam is the Philippines’ only strategic partner in Southeast Asia, a relationship that has grown in importance as both countries navigate regional geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea while pursuing stronger economic integration within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The Philippines is set to open a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City later this year, a move expected to facilitate trade, investment and services for the more than 7,000 Filipinos living in Vietnam.

The visit, the first by a Vietnamese Communist Party leader to the Philippines, comes as the two countries mark the 50^th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10^th year of their Strategic Partnership. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana