Marcos to tackle rice supply deal, maritime issues during Vietnam visit

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will fly to Vietnam on Monday for his first state visit this year, where he and Vietnamese leaders are seen to discuss partnerships to ensure adequate rice supply in the Philippines and possibly improve bilateral maritime cooperation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said Marcos will meet with Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue during his two-day trip on Jan. 29-30.

In a Malacañang press briefing, DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen ties across different fronts.

The meetings would include “in-depth” talks on agricultural cooperation, as Vietnam is committed to supporting the Philippines’ rice requirement, said Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau.

“The DA (Department of Agriculture) and their Vietnam counterpart are working on an agreement for the continued supply of rice to the Philippines,” she told reporters. “They are setting some targets, but more details on that will come soon once we finish negotiations on the rice deal.”

Mendiola-Rau added that Marcos and Vietnamese officials will tackle important regional and international issues, including maritime concerns.

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier said that during Marcos’ visit to Hanoi, it expects to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam Coast Guard to upgrade their partnership.

“It's a simple agreement on how both coast guards will cooperate with each other,” Mendiola-Rau said.

“There's a general topic on maritime discussion when the president meets with the three Vietnamese leaders, but we do not wish to preempt the discussions at this point," she added.

The DFA said Marcos will also meet with business leaders in Vietnam to promote trade and investment relations, as well as with the Filipino community there.

According to Daza, there are around 7,000 Filipinos working and residing in the neighboring country, most of whom are in the agriculture industry.

Marcos will be accompanied in the state visit by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, some Cabinet members — including DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo — and members of his economic team.