LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — On the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and newly appointed Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng held a high-level bilateral meeting on May 7, 2026, centering on a landmark long-term agreement to stabilize the Philippines’ rice supply.
The meeting marked a significant step in the “Strategic Partnership” between the two nations as they prepare to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations later this year.
The primary outcome of the talk was a commitment to establish a “long-term rice trade mechanism.” This deal is designed to shield the Philippines—a net importer that buys over 3 million metric tons of rice annually—from global price shocks and supply chain disruptions.
- Stable Supply: The agreement ensures a consistent quota of rice exports from Vietnam to the Philippines, even during periods of regional supply tightening.
- Food Security: Both leaders emphasized that agricultural cooperation is a cornerstone of regional stability, particularly as climate-related risks continue to threaten crop yields across Southeast Asia.
Beyond agriculture, the two leaders expanded their dialogue to include pressing security concerns that have increasingly plagued the region.
- Scam Hubs and Trafficking: Marcos and Hưng agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing to dismantle online scam operations and human trafficking networks.
- Maritime Cooperation: While the official statements focused on trade, the meeting underscored a shared interest in maintaining a “rules-based order” in the South China Sea, where both nations have overlapping interests and common security challenges.
The bilateral talk also touched on revitalizing the tourism sector, which has faced headwinds due to rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Connectivity: The leaders explored ways to increase direct flights between major Philippine hubs like Cebu and Vietnamese cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
- Cultural Exchange: Both sides welcomed the “Colors of Vietnam” cultural exhibit currently touring the Philippines as a bridge for deeper public understanding.
President Marcos congratulated Prime Minister Hưng on his recent appointment, noting that his first ASEAN Summit comes at a pivotal moment. With the 50th anniversary of PH-Vietnam ties approaching in July 2026, the two leaders expressed confidence that this “golden year” would result in even deeper economic integration and a more resilient partnership against global uncertainty.