Vietnam calls off president's meeting with Cayetano at Senate
MANILA, Philippines — Vietnam called off a scheduled meeting Vietnamese leader To Lam and Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, June 1, according to the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau.
It did not cite a reason for the cancelation.
Lam, Vietnam’s president and general secretary of its ruling Communist Party, arrived in Manila on Sunday, May 31, for a two-day state visit.
It is the first state visit by Vietnam's top party leader to the Philippines. The first state visit by the Southeast Asian country's leader was in 1995 under then-president Fidel Ramos.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed Lam and his delegation at Malacañan Palace bilateral meeting, during which the two leaders discussed stronger relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Ties elevated
In his opening remarks, Marcos announced that the Philippines' relations with Vietnam—is sole strateg partner in Southeast Asia, sealed in 2015 under then-president Noynoy Aquino, would be elevated to an expanded strategic partnership. This is one of Manila's high levels of diplomatic engagement, short of a formal alliance.
"There is no doubt that the Philippines and Vietnam share a common interest in maintaining peace, stability, and the rules-based order in our region, anchored firmly on international law," Marcos said.
The two countries are set to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July.
Lam also expressed interest in working closely with the Philippines, which he described as an "important partner," as the two countries upgraded their strategic partnership.
"The Philippines is an important partner of Vietnam in the region, and both countries share similar strategic visions and interests, and a strong commitment towards peace, stability, prosperity, and the rule of law," Lam said. — Renalyn Ramirez with reports from Ian Laqui
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