MANILA -- Parliamentary cooperation between the Philippines and Viet Nam is vital to promoting national security and enhancing socio-economic development between the two countries, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed on Tuesday.

In a meeting with Voung Dinh Hue, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President Marcos said that this is one of the areas of cooperation that the two countries can strengthen.

“[W]e have a wide variety of areas of cooperation that are under our Strategic Partnership, and in strengthening this, we recognize the important role of our parliamentary relations which provides us with a meaningful platform to discuss our policies in pursuit of a peaceful global community,” he said.

President Marcos recalled the Philippines’ hosting of the 31st Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in November 2023, where he recognized Vietnam’s active participation.

The chief executive said that the APPF affirmed the trust and cooperation between the two countries on the basis of respect for each other and respect for international law and other conventions.

He likewise welcomed Vietnam’s interest in the Philippines’ taxation system, universal health care, and the digitalization of the Philippines’ policy process.

“[T]he vibrant discussions with parliamentarians across the region in an open and trusting environment helped achieve our common objective of promoting understanding, collaboration, and commitment to advance peace and development in the region.,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also recalled Voung Dinh Hue’s visit to the Philippines in March 2022 to deepen bilateral cooperations in labor, economy, agriculture, and education.

He further highlighted the importance of open communication between the two countries to enrich parliamentary cooperation.

“We certainly welcome the creation of the Philippines-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentary Group and recognize its fundamental role in maintaining an open communication where our countries could engage in policy dialogue and exchanges, so as to enrich our parliamentary cooperation,” he said.

“On cooperation between our political parties, I envision that the mandate of our political parties is to promote national security, enhance socio-economic development, and uplift the lives of our peoples.”

President Marcos expressed hope for more exchange of visits between the lawmakers of the Philippines and Vietnam to discuss how they “can bring legislation and initiatives in line with these goals.” | PND