According to the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, speeches at the event highlighted positive developments in bilateral relations while emphasizing the role of people-to-people exchanges, economic, cultural and educational cooperation, and community connections in further deepening Viet Nam-Philippines friendship.

Performances at the anniversary ceremony. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations)

Ha Thanh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976, Viet Nam and the Philippines have continuously cultivated increasingly extensive and substantive friendship and cooperation based on trust, mutual respect and shared interests, making positive contributions to peace, stability and cooperation in the region. People-to-people exchanges, through cultural, educational, academic and youth activities as well as community connections, continue to serve as an important bridge, helping enhance mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

For Ho Chi Minh City, strengthening friendship with ASEAN countries in general and the Philippines in particular is of important significance. The city always values the presence and contributions of Consulates General, business communities, experts, students and citizens of ASEAN countries who live, study and work in the city, thereby contributing to promoting exchanges, cooperation and community connections. Ha Thanh highly appreciated the role of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association in organizing people-to-people exchange activities, helping make friendship between Ho Chi Minh City and ASEAN countries increasingly close, practical and substantive.

Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the Philippines. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations)

Speaking at the ceremony, Querobine D. Laccay, Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines in Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that Viet Nam-Philippines relations have continued to develop on a foundation of trust, with notable cooperation in maritime and economic sectors. Bilateral trade has exceeded the target of USD 10 billion. Ho Chi Minh City is home to numerous investment projects by Philippine businesses as well as a Filipino community living and working in the city and making positive contributions to education, healthcare, business and the creative industries, thereby helping strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The Consul General expressed her hope that the Philippines would continue to promote cultural diplomacy and tourism cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City. She also praised the efforts of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association in carrying out people-to-people diplomacy activities, contributing to consolidating and deepening friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and the Philippines in particular, and Viet Nam and the Philippines in general.

Delegates pose for a commemorative photo. (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations)

At the event, Associate Professor and Doctor Phan Thi Hong Xuan, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam-Southeast Asia Friendship Association, reviewed the important milestone when bilateral cooperation was upgraded from traditional relations to a Strategic Partnership and then to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. She highlighted the value of people-to-people diplomacy through cultural, educational and academic exchanges and community connections. In 2026, as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, the foundation built over 50 years of friendship will serve as an impetus for the two countries to continue contributing to a united, resilient and people-centered ASEAN.

The ceremony took place in a warm atmosphere of friendship, featuring special musical and dance performances by Vietnamese and Philippine artists. The program also included a friendship tea reception, introducing Vietnamese tea culture and distinctive Vietnamese tea products, while welcoming the new Consul General of Cambodia and the new Consul General of the Philippines in Ho Chi Minh City.

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