The visits also took place at a time when the Philippines is serving as ASEAN Chair in 2026, Singapore is preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2027, and Vietnam is set to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2027.

The intellectual journey from Duong Kach Menh in 1927 to the strategic vision outlined by the Party at its 14th National Congress demonstrates a rich process of creatively applying and developing Marxism-Leninism in Vietnam’s specific conditions.

The two sides shared the view that both sides should strengthen cooperation to translate high-level common understandings into practical outcomes. Cooperation, they agreed, should focus on two key pillars: theory research and the training and capacity building of officials.

Participants reviewed rental housing demand in each area, considering different market segments and target groups. They also examined the gap between supply and demand, and pinpointed issues in policy frameworks.

PM Le Minh Hung stressed that Hai Phong should become a national pioneer in implementing a new growth model driven by science – technology, innovation and digital transformation.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Manila on June 1, concluding their two-day state visit to the Philippines at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. and his spouse.

The Vietnamese leader urged the two sides to further promote two-way investment in highly complementary and long-term value-adding sectors, such as modern agriculture, food processing, clean energy, logistics, supporting industries, digital economy, and innovation.

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

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

Based on the good friendship and the interests and aspirations of the people of both countries, the two sides agreed to elevate the Vietnam-Philippines bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

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.