PBBM to tackle food security, agri trade during Vietnam visit
Food security and agricultural trade and cooperation are President Marcos' top agenda when he visits Vietnam, one of the world's major rice exporters, next week.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Aileen Mendiola-Rau said Friday, Jan. 26, that Marcos' visit is expected to involve an "in-depth discussion on our regional cooperation" as the President reaffirms his commitment to ensure food security in the country.
Vietnam is the Philippines' long-time partner that is also committed to supporting the latter's rice requirement, Mendiola-Rau said.
In September 2023, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pushed for a rice supply deal, which will allow Vietnam to export rice to the Philippines for five years.
The Vietnamese leader's suggestion was raised as he sat down with Marcos for a bilateral talk at the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN and Related Summits in Jakarta.
Marcos welcomed Pham's proposal as he said it would help the Philippines stabilize the rice prices.
According to Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, the President will be in Vietnam—his first time there—from Jan. 29 to 30, upon the invitation of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong.
"During the visit, the President will meet with leaders of Vietnam, namely President Thoung, His Excellency Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, and his Excellency Vuong Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, where discussion on the multi-faceted relationship and ways of exploring deepening cooperation across different fronts will be expected," Daza said.
"The President is also expected to meet with business sectors to promote trade and investment relations between the Philippines and Vietnam," she added.
Daza said Marcos will meet with the Filipino community in Vietnam, which serves as the second home for around 7,000 nationals.
Meanwhile, Mendiola-Rau added that Marcos will tackle important regional and international issues with Vietnam "in order to share views and perspectives particularly on matters involving the ASEAN region."
The Philippine Coast Guard recently bared that Manila and Hanoi will also ink a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the coast guards of both sides.
"We consider that this visit of the President would be a significant in our ever-evolving relations with Vietnam," she said.