Party General Secretary and State President To Lam reaffirmed and emphasised the central role played by ASEAN, stating clearly that Vietnam regards ASEAN as the most important strategic space, and that the Asia-Pacific regional security architecture should be led by ASEAN rather than becoming an arena for rivalry among major powers.

Vietnam’s presence at the 23rd Shangri-la Dialogue met the international community’s expectations for balanced, constructive and bridge-building contributions from a country that consistently pursues a non-aligned foreign policy.

Vietnam always values and wishes to further deepen its friendly neighbourly relations with the Philippines in all areas on the basis of a shared commitment to peace, stability and respect for international law, affirmed General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam.

Vietnam, Philippines issue Joint Statement on Enhanced Strategic Partnership

Both sides emphasised the importance of international law and the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the principles of equality, cooperation, and mutual benefit; reaffirmed peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea; and stressed the need to resolve disputes peacefully on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam called for an open, inclusive regional architecture with ASEAN at its core, insisting that all new initiatives be transparent, respect international law, complement one another, and avoid undermining ASEAN centrality or turning Southeast Asia into an arena for great power rivalry. It expressed full support for and readiness to cooperate with the Philippines - ASEAN Chair 2026.

Vietnam has an opportunity to further entrench its leadership position within ASEAN, collaborate with like-minded partners, and demonstrate that Hanoi is, and will continue to be, a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, said Professor Carl Thayer from the Australian Defence Force Academy at the University of New South Wales.

The trip marks the Vietnamese leader’s first visit to the Philippines as Party General Secretary and State President. It takes place as the two countries are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

The Rizal Monument is one of the Philippines’ most significant historical landmarks. Located in the capital city of Manila, it was erected in honour of Dr. Jose Rizal, a physician, writer, and national hero who played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence.

The keynote address delivered by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue conveyed a powerful message highlighting the integration of proactive diplomacy with a comprehensive vision for national development.

The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.

Talking to President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda, General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to ​​its cooperation with the bank and wishes to further deepen this partnership in the new development phase.

General Secretary and President To Lam encouraged the Vietnamese in the Philippines to remain united, abide by local laws, contribute practically to the homeland and continue fostering friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Looking ahead to 2045, when Vietnam aims to become a developed economy, the two countries are expected to be linked by one of the world's most advanced strategic partnerships, Professor Vu Minh Khuong noted, describing this as a distinctive feature of General Secretary and President Lam’s visit.

By moving from crisis response to proactive risk reduction, Vietnam has positioned itself as a responsible and mature “architect” of regional peace, said a Malaysia-based expert.

The President Ho Chi Minh monument in the ASEAN Garden holds profound historical, cultural, and diplomatic significance, reflecting the friendship between Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as the solidarity within the ASEAN community.

The trip demonstrates Vietnam's high regard for its friendship and cooperation with the Philippines, as well as with ASEAN and the Southeast Asian region.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and his spouse are paying state visit to the Philippines from May 31 to June 1 at the invitation of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.

Referring to Vietnam’s presence at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, the scholar said the country has stepped onto the regional stage with a renewed posture, positioning itself as a constructive diplomatic player committed to promoting peace and stability.

Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, on May 30 visited the Lac Hong Vietnamese language class in Singapore.