Vietnam's defense minister pays courtesy call on Marcos

Minister of National Defense of Vietnam General Phan Van Giang paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday.

''This is actually a very significant point in the history between our countries between Vietnam and [the] Philippines,'' Marcos told Giang.

Marcos also mentioned the diplomatic ties, specifically the defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

Early this month, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) conducted a joint maritime exercise in Manila Bay as part of the five-day port visit of Hanoi’s ship.

Search and rescue, fire and explosion prevention training, and passing exercises were held, according to the PCG.

In January 2024, the Philippine and Vietnamese Coast Guards also signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a joint Coast Guard committee and a hotline communication mechanism. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News