President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarked on a significant two-day state visit to Vietnam, marking his first official visit of the year. The President, accompanied by First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, a delegation of Cabinet secretaries, and other officials, departed from the Villamor Air Base at 1:06 p.m. on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight bound for Hanoi.
In his pre-departure speech, President Marcos emphasized the importance of this state visit to Vietnam, highlighting the country as the Philippines’ sole strategic partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He expressed his belief in the immense opportunities that lie ahead in the post-pandemic era, stating, “We have a vast sea of opportunities in the post-pandemic time.”
Confident in the potential of this visit, President Marcos expressed his hope that it would pave the way for a new era of friendship between the Philippines and Vietnam. He outlined his intentions to establish new partnerships in areas such as maritime cooperation, defense and security, trade, education, and tourism, among others.
During his visit, President Marcos is scheduled to hold meetings with Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. These meetings provide an opportunity for both countries to strengthen bilateral ties and explore avenues for collaboration in various sectors.
Additionally, President Marcos will engage in roundtable discussions with prominent Vietnamese business leaders. These discussions aim to encourage closer trade and investment cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam. By fostering stronger economic ties, both nations can benefit from increased trade opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships.
While President Marcos is away, Vice President Sara Duterte will assume the role of caretaker, ensuring the smooth functioning of the government in his absence.
This state visit to Vietnam signifies the Philippines’ commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation with its ASEAN partner. As President Marcos engages in discussions with Vietnamese leaders and business representatives, both countries have the opportunity to leverage their respective strengths and foster a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship.
It is worth noting that state visits play a crucial role in diplomacy, allowing leaders to build personal connections and establish a foundation for collaboration. By undertaking this state visit to Vietnam, President Marcos demonstrates his dedication to strengthening ties with neighboring nations and leveraging opportunities for growth and development.
In conclusion, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Vietnam holds great significance for both countries. As he engages in discussions and meetings with Vietnamese leaders, the visit aims to forge new partnerships, enhance diplomatic relations, and foster greater economic cooperation. This visit exemplifies the Philippines’ commitment to fostering strong ties within the ASEAN region and maximizing opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.
Source: The Manila Times
