THE Philippine Embassy celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the country’s bilateral relations with Vietnam through a gala dinner on July 9.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung graced the occasion, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Vietnam-Philippines Friendship Organization, and Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations. All Asean Missions were represented, together with heads of missions accredited to Manila, as well as those who have served in the Philippine capital, and heads of international organizations.
Recognizing their important contributions to the growth of the Philippines-Vietnam relations, the embassy honored five former ambassadors of the Southeast Asian country to Manila who attended.
In his speech, Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III recalled the strategic beginnings of diplomatic relations in 1976, founded on mutual respect and commitment to development and prosperity.
He then recalled the elevation of relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during the state visit of the General Secretary and President To Lam to the Philippines in June, and emphasized both sides’ ‘commitment to upholding multilateralism and international cooperation; adherence to international law; and upholding principles and obligations embodied in the United Nations Charter and the Asean Charter.’
Fernandez reiterated the importance of strengthening political, economic, cultural, and educational relations in the years ahead. He closed his speech with a toast to the further strengthening of bilateral relations.
In his remarks, Trung noted that the two countries ‘have steadily deepened trust, broadened cooperation, and are standing together as close neighbors, trusted strategic partners, and fellow members of the Asean Family.’ The foreign minister recalled that, prior to the establishment of relations, the Philippines and Vietnam were already connected by the sea, fostering relations underpinned by a shared aspiration for peace and development.
The Vietnamese government official then commented on the increase in trade and tourism cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for the Philippine Asean Chairmanship this year.
Trung also characterized the Philippines as ‘one of the most dynamic economies of Asean, a leading investment destination, a nation with an increasingly important position in the region and the world, and a contributor to regional peace, stability and prosperity.’
The foreign minister drew parallels between AmBisyon Natin 2040, and Vietnam’s 2040 economic goals. He likewise concluded his speech with a toast.
The embassy also played a video that documented the relations’ milestones since July 12, 1976. As dessert was served, Filipino teachers were invited to sing their renditions of original Pilipino music favorites.