Vietnamese inspiration as seen from the Philippines.

The partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines will create strong and extensive cooperation because the two countries share many similarities, including economic ties.

VietnamPlus•03/06/2026

During the State visit to the Philippines by General Secretary and President To Lam (from May 31 to June 1), Vietnam and the Philippines upgraded their relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, opening up many opportunities for closer and broader cooperation between the two countries.

A VNA correspondent in Southeast Asia interviewed Ms. Laura Q. Del Rosario, former Deputy Foreign Minister of the Philippines and Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam from 2007-2009, about the strong relationship between the two countries over the past half-century and the prospects for future bilateral cooperation.

- Madam, as a former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of economic affairs and having witnessed the transformation of the Vietnamese and Philippine economies in recent times, how do you assess the potential for bilateral economic cooperation, especially in emerging fields such as renewable energy, semiconductors, and the digital economy?

Former Deputy Secretary of State Del Rosario : I think the potential for economic cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines is enormous, especially in the current context, as the Philippines is cooperating with other countries such as the US to build a supply chain for important minerals, as well as developing electricity or energy for manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.

We want to make the most of our human resources, our people, and our natural resources. We have abundant and diverse metal resources, and I think the Philippines can cooperate with Vietnam, through modern technology, to strengthen the supply chain for important products, essential for workers in both countries.

- The historic visit of General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam to the Philippines has created a great impetus for the concrete implementation of bilateral cooperation in areas of strength. In your opinion, what is the key for Vietnam and the Philippines to transform these potentials into substantive trade and investment cooperation projects that benefit the people of both countries?

Former Deputy Secretary of State Del Rosario : I believe that the visit of General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam to the Philippines is very important, because Vietnam and the Philippines share a common economy and geopolitical landscape. I think both Vietnam and the Philippines are interested in China, the US, and the plans and strategies of other countries in the region.

I believe that with similar experiences and expertise, Vietnam and the Philippines will find common ground to cooperate towards the future.

- As a diplomat with a keen understanding of regional strategy, how do you assess the importance of the Vietnam-Philippines relationship to the unity and central role of ASEAN today?

Former Deputy Secretary of State Del Rosario : I think that the partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines will create strong cooperation because we have many things in common, including economic ties. The Philippines imports a lot of rice from Vietnam to ensure food security and the livelihoods of its people.

Meanwhile, many Filipinos have also worked in Vietnam's service industries. Particularly in the education sector, there are many Filipino teachers teaching English in Vietnam. Similarly, through cooperation with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum, Vietnam has successfully hosted several conferences. And when Vietnam first hosted APEC, the Philippines provided significant support in preparing for the event.

- Given the complex and volatile global security and economic situation, what message does the state visit of General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam to the Philippines convey regarding shaping and promoting the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries over the next 50 years, Madam?

Former Deputy Secretary of State Del Rosario : I think the upgrading of relations between Vietnam and the Philippines is very welcome. I am very pleased that the visit of General Secretary and President To Lam has contributed to that success.

I am certain that the leaders of both countries have been planning for many years to truly elevate the Vietnam-Philippines relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Therefore, I am very pleased with this achievement in the bilateral relationship.

- As the Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam from 2007 to 2009, you must have special memories and a deep connection with the country and people of Vietnam. In the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, how do you assess the prospects for further strengthening mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries?

Former Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Del Rosario : Currently, many Filipinos are more aware of Vietnam, and many Filipinos are visiting Vietnam. If you look at the number of tourists coming to Vietnam, and the number of Vietnamese restaurants, you can see that Vietnam is increasingly becoming an ideal destination.

Vietnam is a great example of the rapid recovery of its industries; you overcame war, overcame difficulties, and triumphed. You inspire us with that strength of will.

Thank you very much!

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/nguon-cam-hung-viet-nam-nhin-tu-philippines-post1114248.vnp