The Philippines and Vietnam elevated their relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership on Monday, reaffirming that peace and stability in the South China Sea are non-negotiable.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made the announcement during a joint press appearance with Vietnamese leader To Lam at Malacanang Palace on Monday. Lam was on a two-day state visit.
The upgrade coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year and marks more than a decade since they first established a strategic partnership, which began in 2015.Â
Marcos said the new partnership would feature wider cooperation, stronger political and defense links, and closer connections between the Filipino and Vietnamese people. Both sides signed agreements on defense, information technology, tourism, and education during the visit….Â
Philippines, Vietnam Upgrade to Enhanced Strategic Partnership
