Philippines, Vietnam agree to bolster defence ties amid maritime security concerns

The Philippines and Vietnam are set to enhance their defence ties with a landmark agreement expected by the end of the year, reflecting their growing bilateral cooperation amid shared concerns over maritime security.

The announcement came during Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang’s visit to Manila on Friday, during which he and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro signed letters of intent (LOI) to strengthen engagements on disaster response and military medicine.

Giang said he hoped a memorandum on defence cooperation between the two countries could be signed on the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army this December.

After the signing of the LOIs, the Philippine Department of National Defence released a statement saying both countries had also agreed to “explore more in-depth collaboration on maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), military medicine, peacekeeping operations, and defence industry”.

“Both ministers affirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order firmly anchored on international law and the promotion of sustainable peace, principled security, and regional stability,” the statement read.

It also noted that both parties agreed to “resolve all disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law”.

Before signing the LOIs, Giang paid a courtesy call to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at Malacanang Palace.

Marcos Jnr told Giang that his visit would serve to strengthen “the depth and the range of our relationship” and called it “a very significant point” in the two states’ bilateral relations.

Giang thanked the president for the “very good interactions and exchanges” between their coastguards and navies,