President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday morning welcomed Vietnamese President and Communist Party General Secretary Tô Lâm in Malacañang Palace as both leaders seek to strengthen the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.

Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.

Vietnamese President Tô Lâm arrived in the Philippines on Sunday for a two-day state visit that will run until June 1, 2026.

A planned meeting on Monday between Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Vietnam President To Lam has been called off.