Manila: The Philippines is aiming to broaden its collaborative efforts with Vietnam in key areas such as cybersecurity, digital infrastructure development, and renewable energy. At the Vietnam National Day reception held recently in Manila, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega highlighted the strengthening relationship between Manila and Hanoi, particularly since the elevation of their strategic partnership.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon-De Vega expressed optimism about future cooperation in renewable and green energy sectors, emphasizing the importance of pursuing greater collaboration in safeguarding the cyber landscape and enhancing digital infrastructure. She pointed out that the introduction of VinFast cars in the Philippines is a positive development for clean mobility and sustainable transportation in the region. In June, Vingroup Corporation from Vietnam launched the Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) transport network vehicle service in the Philippines, starting with 2,500 VinFast electric taxis in Metro Manila.
The opportunities for advancing maritime cooperation were also highlighted by Dizon-De Vega, who noted that as seafaring nations, the Philippines and Vietnam are well-positioned to enhance maritime security and the blue economy, ensuring the protection of marine resources. Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines and maintaining dialogue for regional stability and prosperity.
Formal diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines were established on July 12, 1976. Their cooperation spans defense, security, trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, education, cultural cooperation, and people-to-people relations, all of which have improved since the strategic partnership was elevated in 2015 and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s state visit to Vietnam in 2024. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching between USD7 billion and USD8 billion in 2024, with efforts underway to achieve a target of USD10 billion, as stated by the Philippine Embassy in Vietnam.
