President Marcos said the relationship between the Philippines and Vietnam is "making good progress" as both countries committed to deepening their ties even more, particularly in trade and agriculture.

Marcos said this as he met Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the eve of the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) on Oct. 8.

During their discussion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the strategic partnership that both countries established nine years ago.

In his remarks, Marcos said the official engagements and discussions between the Philippines and Vietnam two years ago now bear fruit.

"We have made a good deal of progress since our very first discussion and some of the engagements between our two countries. And I am very happy that we will be able to pursue that," he said.

"It gives us also the opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and partnership. So, thank you," he added.

For his part, Prime Minister Chinh expressed Vietnam's unwavering commitment to the Philippines.

"I want to reaffirm that we always support to the strategic partnership with the Philippines. I’m glad to note that the discussions that we began two years ago have been implemented effectively,” the Prime Minister said," he said.

Before concluding their discussion, President Marcos expressed his condolences for the loss of lives caused by typhoon Yagi in Vietnam and for the death of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on July 19, 2024, a gesture appreciated by the Vietnamese leader.

The Philippines and Vietnam have signed various agreements including rice trade cooperation, incident prevention in the South China Sea, agriculture, and cultural cooperation.