President Marcos on Tuesday, Jan. 30, vowed to promote people-to-people relations, especially in the fields of education, tourism, and culture, with Vietnam as he marked the second day of his state visit there.
(From left) President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a courtesy call at the Grand Hall of the Government Headquarters in Hanoi, Vietnam on January 30, 2024. (Kj Rosales/PPA POOL)
The President met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and assured the Philippine government’s commitment to promote the two countries relations, especially in education such as student exchange programs.
“To further our education cooperation, we would like to continue promoting exchange programs for our students, faculties, and researchers, especially in agriculture,” Marcos said.
An estimated 7,003 Filipinos are living in Vietnam; many of them are professionals.
In 2002, the remittances of the overseas Filipinos workers’ (OFWs) in Vietnam amounted to $13,683.000.
Aside from education, the Chief Executive highlighted the tourism and cultural ties between the Philippines and Vietnam, particularly the implementation program of the agreement on Cooperation on Tourism for 2024 to 2028, which is close to finalization.
That cooperation will be vital for the extended air services between the two countries, which the President said will boost both economic activity and interpersonal relationships.
According to records, a total of 38,605 Vietnamese tourists arrived in the Philippines in 2022, higher than the 1,785 arrivals in 2021.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Philippines recorded 66,798 Vietnamese tourist arrivals in 2019.
Marcos also cited the signing of the Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation for 2024 to 2028, which he believes would enhance the cultural collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“This will be achieved through exchanges of publications, exhibitions showcasing arts and culture. This will also encourage an exchange of information amongst our esteemed experts, researchers, and professors,” he said.
Marcos’s visit to Vietnam, where he is expected to stay until Jan. 31, Wednesday, was planned upon the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong.
With him are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and representatives from the business sector.