In this file photo dated Dec 14, 2022, Philippines' president Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr delivers a speech at the EU-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit at the European Council headquarters in Brussels. (PHOTO / AFP)

MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos left for Vietnam on Monday for a two-day state visit to boost cooperation.

"Maritime cooperation will be one of the cornerstones of the strategic partnership which we are going to forge, and we hope to strengthen this aspect during my visit to promote peace and stability in our region," Marcos said in his departure speech.

Vietnam is the Philippines' sole strategic partner in the ASEAN region, with ties spanning almost 50 years since establishing bilateral relations in 1976

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He added that he will also discuss with his counterpart, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong, cooperation in trade and investments, education, and tourism, as well as regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern.

Calling the state visit to bring the relations between the Philippines and Vietnam to "greater heights," Marcos is also scheduled to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue.

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The Philippines and Vietnam aim to boost bilateral trade by up to $10 billion in the coming years. Vietnam is the Philippines' sole strategic partner in the ASEAN region, with ties spanning almost 50 years since establishing bilateral relations in 1976.

Vietnam is home to around 7,000 Filipino workers.