Viet Nam, Philippines strengthen security cooperation

Welcoming the National Security Adviser and the high-level delegation from the National Security Council of the Philippines on their working visit to Viet Nam, Minister Luong Tam Quang emphasized that the visit held great significance against the backdrop of the two countries having upgraded their relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Minister Luong Tam Quang noted that the friendly and cooperative ties between Viet Nam and the Philippines have continued to grow strong, deep, substantive, stable and trustworthy. Security and law enforcement cooperation has consistently been identified by senior leaders of both nations as a key strategic pillar.

At the talks, both sides exchanged views and agreed to further elevate security and law enforcement cooperation to meet the demands of the Viet Nam – Philippines Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

The two sides agreed to continue effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms, promote research into establishing an annual High-Level Security Dialogue mechanism to regularly exchange strategic information, consult, coordinate positions, and convey messages from senior leaders of the two countries. They also agreed to expedite negotiations toward the early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on security cooperation and strategic dialogue.

Viet Nam and the Philippines concurred on increasing contacts and sharing information regarding global and regional developments affecting each country’s national security; closely coordinating to ensure safety and security for high-level delegations during bilateral visits; and maintaining exchanges on issues of shared concern.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and Philippine law enforcement agencies will step up cooperation in crime prevention and control, particularly high-tech crime, human trafficking, and drug crimes. The two sides will share information and coordinate the apprehension of wanted fugitives hiding in either country, contributing to ensuring security and safety for citizens as well as bilateral investment and business activities.

The two sides also agreed to maintain coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially ASEAN cooperation mechanisms on security and transnational crime prevention, and to jointly and effectively respond to emerging non-traditional security challenges, such as energy security, food security, supply chain security, and technology security.

In closing the talks, the two sides affirmed their commitment to building upon achieved cooperative outcomes, deepening relations between the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam and the National Security Council as well as law enforcement agencies of the Philippines in a substantive and effective manner, contributing to the consolidation of the Viet Nam – Philippines Enhanced Strategic Partnership for national security and the benefit of the two peoples.