UMVA has learned that Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm touched down in Manila on Sunday, launching a two‑day state visit aimed at weaving tighter economic, trade and strategic bonds between the Philippines and Vietnam.
In Manila’s historic halls, Lâm will sit across from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, where talks are set to blaze a trail toward deeper cooperation in trade, investment, food security, agriculture, tourism, education and maritime affairs.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the leaders will seal multiple agreements and issue a joint statement, signaling a decisive step forward after their meeting at Malacañang.
Vietnam stands as the Philippines’ sole strategic partner in Southeast Asia, a relationship that has surged in significance as both nations grapple with South China Sea tensions and strive for stronger economic integration within ASEAN.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Philippines plans to open a consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City later this year, a move designed to streamline trade, investment and services for the more than 7,000 Filipinos residing in Vietnam.
This historic visit marks the first time a Vietnamese Communist Party leader has set foot in the Philippines, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the decade‑long Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
