MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties, with both leaders expressing interest in elevating the Philippines and Viet Nam’s strategic partnership.

The bilateral meeting was held on the sidelines of the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

President Marcos said senior diplomats from both countries are engaged in ongoing discussions to upgrade the current strategic partnership into a comprehensive strategic partnership.

“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.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister acknowledged the progress made since Marcos’ state visit to Viet Nam in January.

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

Both leaders noted the expanding economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. They also strengthened collaborations in agriculture, food security, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Philippines and Viet Nam’s strategic partnership.

At the beginning of the meeting, President Marcos also offered his condolences to Prime Minister Pham over the passing of former Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong on May 20, 2025.