President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Tuesday the Philippine government’s commitment to enhance the country’s people-to-people relations with Vietnam, including ties to further strengthen the two countries’ tourism and rich culture.
In his meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Ching, President Marcos asserted the Philippine government’s assurance to promote people-to-people relations with Vietnam particularly in education.
“To further our education cooperation, we would like to continue promoting exchange programs for our students, faculties, and researchers, especially in agriculture.” President Marcos said.
An estimated 7,003 Filipinos are living in Vietnam. In 2002, the remittances of the overseas Filipinos workers’ (OFWs) in Vietnam amounted to USD$13,683.000.
The President also stressed with the Vietnamese Prime Minister that the implementation program of the agreement on Cooperation on Tourism for 2024 to 2028 is close to finalization as he emphasized the need for an extended air services between the two countries.
President Marcos said the extended air services between the two countries will boost both economic activity and interpersonal relationships.
Records showed there was a total of 38,605 Vietnamese tourists have arrived in the Philippines in 2022, which is higher than the 1,785 arrivals in 2021. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines recorded 66,798 Vietnamese tourist arrivals in 2019.
In terms of culture, President Marcos said the signing of the Executive Programme on Cultural Cooperation for 2024 – 2028 will enhance the cultural collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam.
“This will be achieved through exchanges of publications, exhibitions showcasing arts and culture. This will also encourage an exchange of information amongst our esteemed experts, researchers, and professors,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to work with Vietnam in protecting both Filipinos and Vietnamese including addressing human trafficking in the region, which is part of the two countries’ efforts to promote closer ties among its peoples. PND
