The Philippines is seen to be gaining the favor of the broader international community as evidenced by the forging of defense ties with more of its neighbors and its emerging role as a hub for international justice.
In a meeting on Friday, President Marcos emphasized to Vietnam’s National Defense Minister Phan Van Giang the importance of strengthening ties between Manila and Hanoi.
“We are grateful that you have come today,” Mr. Marcos said during the minister’s courtesy call in Malacañang.
“Your visit, though quiet, marks a very significant point in the history of our countries.”
He highlighted the progress made in relations between the two nations, which have expanded beyond traditional diplomatic connections.
The President emphasized that the Philippines and Vietnam have deepened cooperation in defense, security, and trade.
“We have continued to progress in this relationship. What was once just diplomatic now includes our defense and security cooperation and, importantly, trade,” Mr. Marcos stated.
The visit underscores the growing partnership between the Southeast Asian neighbors as they navigate regional security challenges and work toward mutual economic benefits.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is poised to host Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) tribunal hearings through the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC).
Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands J. Eduardo Malaya underscored the importance of this development, noting that it will bring substantial cost and time savings for the parties involved.
“With the signing of a cooperation agreement yesterday between the PCA and the PDRC, Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, PCA-administered hearings can now be conducted here in the Philippines. You heard me right,” said Malaya, who is also acting president of the PCA Administrative Council.
“PCA-administered hearings can now be conducted here. And that means a lot of cost savings as well as savings in time,” he announced during an Ateneo Law School forum.
The freshly signed agreement allows for legal arbitration seats to be placed in various locations while conducting the actual hearings in the Philippines.
This flexibility is expected to benefit not only the PhilippineSecretary-General government but also private clients and lawyers practicing in the country, Malaya explained.
On Thursday, PCA Secretary General Marcin Czepelak expressed his intent to establish a Host Country Agreement with the Philippines to facilitate the international court’s hearings in the country in a meeting with President Marcos.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Vietnam defense minister pays courtesy call on President Marcos.”
