PH Ambassador Montealegre called on Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong on 13 May 2025 following the latter’s recent appointment to the said position in March. Aside from his government position, DFM Cuong is also a member of the Party Central Committee, a rank he shared with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. The Party Central Committee is the CPV’s highest decision-making body. Post’s counterparts at MOFA specifically emphasized this information as Party rank matters heavily in Vietnam, and Party members have strong influence and are heavily involved in shaping policy.

During the said courtesy call, DFM Cuong expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s contributions in strengthening Philippine-Vietnam bilateral relations, particularly mentioning the positive development of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. He affirmed how Vietnam always attaches great importance to its relations with the Philippines and expressed his wish to develop deeper and more comprehensive relations with the Philippines.

DFM Cuong also highlighted and requested specific attention in promoting key areas of cooperation including strengthening of political and diplomatic cooperation through promoting exchanges and contacts at high and all levels between the two countries, promoting economic activity especially to boost bilateral trade turnover to US$10 billion, strengthening cooperation in defense and maritime security cooperation, and in other fields such as culture, sports, tourism and education and training.

The Ambassador thanked DFM Cuong for the warm reception and affirmed that the Philippines wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, especially as a close neighbor and the only Strategic Partner within ASEAN. He likewise committed to working with relevant agencies to develop relations substantially in all fields, especially in line with the milestone events for 2025 and 2026.

During the call, the Ambassador also informed the DFM of the cultural events being organized by Post in the coming weeks including the Filipino Food Festival at the Sheraton Hanoi Hotel from 5 to 12 June and Post’s National Day celebration on 10 June. The undersigned extended an invitation to host DFM Cuong and his colleagues at MOFA during the Filipino Food Festival, which the latter warmly welcomed with enthusiasm mentioning that he had the opportunity to stay briefly in the Philippines when he studied under the Foreign Service Institute during his early days as a diplomat.