In his arrival statement posted online, President Marcos outlined his official engagements with various groups, both in government and in the business sector.
“I am pleased to inform you and the Filipino people of the outcomes of the state visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The state visit aims to further strengthen our strategic partnership with Viet Nam,” he said.
“Viet Nam, being our only strategic partner in Asia and further to explore areas of cooperation while building on existing ones.”
President Marcos arrived at the Villamor Air Base at 3:30 am on Wednesday.
President Marcos had a meeting with VietNam President Vo Van Thoung where they affirmed their commitment to strengthen relations and witnessed the exchange of agreements between the Philippines and Viet Nam.
“We discussed areas of cooperation including defense, maritime, trade and investment, economic, education, tourism and culture. We also witnessed the exchange of several agreements, including on rice, agriculture, culture and maritime cooperation,” he said.
Marcos also had separate meetings with VietNam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, where they discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations to people-to-people exchanges, parliamentary cooperation, and many other areas of collaboration.
In terms of trade and investment, President Marcos assured the government successfully safeguarded the interest of Filipino businesses operating in Viet Nam.
“We have successfully safeguarded the interest of Filipino businesses operating in Viet Nam by providing them with the platform to voice their experiences, plans, and challenges at the very highest level,” he said.
“We want to assure them that the Philippine government stands ready to support their endeavors in competing foreign markets,” he said.
In his meeting with Vietnamese business leaders, President Marcos said the group had expressed their interest in expanding their businesses in the Philippines as well as exploring cooperation with the business sector in various traditional and non-traditional economic activities.
His dialogue with VinGroup Company opened up to possible collaboration to explore the fields of AI, medical courses and granting scholarships for Filipino students. Other topics they have discussed include the two countries’ active participation in the electric vehicle and battery supply chains.
The chief executive also did not pass the opportunity to meet with the Filipino community in Viet Nam, where he expressed his appreciation for their work.
“I had the pleasure of course to speak with the Filipinos living in Viet Nam and I expressed my appreciation for their continued good work in projecting a very positive image of the Philippines in Viet Nam,” he said.
“I acknowledge the sacrifice that they have made for their families and I lauded them for their contributions to the socio-economic development of the Philippines and of Viet Nam,” he stressed.
The President said his administration will continue to strive for the betterment of Filipinos here and abroad.
Photo Courtesy PCO
