By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The Philippines and Vietnam on Monday renewed their defense cooperation agreement, reinforcing collaboration in maritime security, military education, and disaster response as the two Southeast Asian nations elevated ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and visiting Vietnamese President To Lam witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Department of National Defense and Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense following bilateral talks in Malacañang.
Lam is in Manila for a historic two-day state visit.
Marcos said the framework would significantly strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
“This strategically important framework will significantly bolster our joint capabilities in maritime security, military education, and disaster risk reduction and management,” he said.
The agreement comes as both countries continue to face common challenges in the South China Sea, where Manila and Hanoi are among the claimant states.
Further details of the deal were not made available as of posting time.
Marcos said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the strategic waterway.
“We stand resolute in our commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, grounded firmly in international law,” he said, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The Philippines and Vietnam established a Strategic Partnership in 2015 and elevated ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during Lam’s state visit. (PNA)
