General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the elevation of Vietnam - Philippines relations to an enhanced strategic partnership during the visit of Party and State leader To Lam and his spouse marked an important milestone, opening a new chapter in bilateral relationship. It also carried special political significance as the two countries commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
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General Phan Van Giang (left) and Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. |
The Vietnamese defense chief said that Vietnam highly appreciates the Philippines’ position, role, and positive contributions to regional and international affairs, particularly within ASEAN, helping promote intra-bloc solidarity and ASEAN’s standing in the region and the world.
He expressed confidence that the Philippines will successfully assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, continue to play an active role, and work together with Vietnam and other ASEAN member states to advance the goals of the ASEAN Community.
For his part, Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. believed that bilateral defense cooperation would make further progress and continue to serve as one of the key pillars of the Vietnam - Philippines enhanced strategic partnership.
He agreed with the view that bilateral defense ties have been implemented effectively and substantively, particularly in all-level delegation exchanges; effective maintenance of dialogue, consultation, and information-sharing mechanisms; service-to-service collaboration; maritime security and safety; training; young officer exchanges; and consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and events hosted by each country.
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At the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. |
Based on the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation, General Phan Van Giang suggested both sides further strengthen defense ties, focusing on exchanges of delegations, especially at high level ones; existing cooperation mechanisms; training; defense industry; maritime security and safety; logistics; military medicine; search and rescue; cybersecurity; cooperation between services and arms. He proposed continued consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and events organized by either country.
At the meeting, the Vietnamese Minister invited his Philippine counterpart, other leaders of the Philippine Department of National Defense, and Philippine defense enterprises to attend the third Vietnam Defense Expo in Hanoi in December 2026.
Reported by Pham Kien - The Toan (from Manila, the Philippines)
Translated by Mai Huong