Vietnam pledges stable rice supply to Philippines

This commitment underscores the growing ties between the two nations, highlighted by recent collaborations such as the four-sector cooperation between Tra Vinh and Iloilo Province, the Philippines' optimistic outlook on agricultural cooperation with Vietnam, and Manila’s recognition of Vietnam as a key food security partner.

On January 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Philippine Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre for a farewell visit at the conclusion of his diplomatic term in Vietnam. The Prime Minister noted that during the Ambassador’s tenure, both nations effectively implemented the Action Plan for the Strategic Partnership for the 2019 - 2024 period. High-level delegation exchanges and contacts were consistently maintained, notably highlighted by President Marcos's state visit to Vietnam, where the signing of five cooperation documents provided significant momentum for bilateral relations.

Prime Minister Chinh extended his deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines regarding the severe damage caused by recent storms and natural disasters. Acknowledging that both countries share common challenges in disaster management, he affirmed Vietnam's readiness to provide support within its capacity, specifically announcing a donation of 2,000 tons of rice to assist the Philippines in overcoming these current difficulties.

To further advance the Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership, the Prime Minister proposed that both sides increase high-level exchanges across all channels and maximize existing cooperation mechanisms. He called for the joint development of a new action plan to mark the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership in 2025 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The Prime Minister also urged both nations to enhance trade and investment promotion while strengthening cooperation in maritime affairs, climate change mitigation, disaster response, and search and rescue operations. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and encouraged growth in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, the development of a common ASEAN database, and high-quality human resource training.

Regarding food security, Prime Minister Chinh reiterated that Vietnam is committed to being a dependable partner providing a stable rice supply. Based on the existing Memorandum of Understanding on rice trade, he suggested that both parties negotiate and sign a long-term, stable agreement for rice imports and exports.

In pursuit of a stronger and more unified ASEAN, Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that just as Vietnam supported the 2025 ASEAN Chair, it fully supports the Philippines in successfully undertaking the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. He requested that the Philippines continue to maintain a strong voice in support of ASEAN's common position on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), promoting the negotiation of an effective and efficient Code of Conduct (COC) to ensure peace, stability, and maritime and aviation security. Furthermore, he called for mutual support at regional and international forums, including the United Nations and APEC.

Ambassador Montealegre thanked the Prime Minister for the reception and for his sincere condolences regarding the disaster victims in the Philippines, while also expressing his own sympathies for the losses Vietnam has suffered due to recent natural disasters.

The Ambassador praised the Vietnamese Government’s decisive and effective leadership and thanked the Prime Minister and the Vietnamese people for supporting the Embassy during his term. He noted that these collective efforts have laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations to flourish in the coming years. Agreeing with the Prime Minister's vision, Ambassador Montealegre confirmed the Philippines' commitment to maintaining ASEAN unity and centrality, expressing hope for Vietnam’s continued support during the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.