Marcos hosts Vietnam's To Lam for bilateral talks in Malacañang

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday morning welcomed Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm in Malacañang Palace as both leaders seek to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.

Tô Lâm, who arrived in the Philippines on Sunday with his delegation, reached Malacañang at around 9 a.m. on Monday.

During the welcome ceremony, the national anthems of the Philippines and Vietnam were played, followed by a 21-gun salute in honor of the Vietnamese leader. Members of the two delegations were then introduced to both presidents.

Among the Philippine Cabinet officials present during the arrival honors were Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, and Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay.

Marcos was also seen personally driving a golf cart carrying First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, Tô Lâm, and his wife, Ngô Phương Ly, inside the Malacañang grounds.

The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks aimed at deepening cooperation in trade and investment, food security, defense and maritime affairs, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

They are also expected to witness the signing of agreements and hold a joint press conference, followed by a state luncheon hosted by Marcos in honor of the Vietnamese leader.

Tô Lâm’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam and the 10th year of their strategic partnership.

Vietnam remains the Philippines’ only strategic partner in Southeast Asia and hosts more than 7,000 Filipinos.—MCG, GMA News