The Philippine Embassy in Vietnam Successfully Hosts Its First Independence Day Diplomatic Reception After Five Years
On the evening of 12 June 2023, Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre successfully hosted the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi’s first diplomatic reception after five years to commemorate the country’s 125th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence. Joining him as guest of honor in the said event was Vietnamese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Do Hung Viet.
Nearly 300 guests headed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors, and heads of international organizations from different missions in Vietnam attended the event together with Vietnamese officials and former Vietnamese ambassadors to the Philippines. In addition, heads of union of friendship organizations from different provinces and cities, business leaders, officials of various universities and Filipino community members likewise attended.
In his speech, Ambassador Montealagre highlighted the strengthening of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam and the contribution of the Philippine economy in the steadfast development of Vietnam and the ASEAN community in general.
“Across the sea, both the Philippines and Vietnam are bound by a common desire for peace and prosperity. Through no uncertain terms, both of our leaders have emphasized resolution of differences through peaceful means based on the rule of law, and in conformity with international law particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which concepts were clarified in the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling for the benefit of all those which are similarly situated.”
Vice Minister Viet likewise recognized the importance of the occasion. “For all Filipinos, June 12thholds significant cultural and historical importance. It is a reminder of the day when the Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to achieve independence from colonial rule. It is also a day for the celebration of national pride and identity.”
“As two active members of the ASEAN Family, we are connected by shared values, strategic interests, and mutual respect, with a common vision of sustainable development and prosperity, underpinned by strong political and strategic trust. I am confident that the Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and the Philippines will continue to grow from strength to strength, in the interests of our two peoples, and to the benefit of peace and development in the region and the world,” the Vietnamese official also stated.
The Philippines and Vietnam are also celebrating the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationships this year, with two-way trade reaching USD7.8 billion in 2022. Vietnam is likewise the only Strategic Partner of the Philippines in the ASEAN region since 2015.
H.E. Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre (right) and H.E. Vice Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet (left) sharing a toast during the diplomatic reception hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam on 12 June 2023.
Ambassador Montealegre (center, front) with Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister Viet joined by Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations in Vietnam.
The officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi.
