December 20, 2024 (Quezon City) – Senior Colonel Nguyen Van Son, Outgoing Defense Attaché of Viet Nam to the Philippines, and Senior Colonel Luong Van Manh, incoming Vietnamese Defense Attaché, rendered a joint courtesy call on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Department of National Defense.

Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. thanked Sr. Col. Van Son for his contributions in enhancing the bilateral defense relations between the Philippines and Viet Nam. The Secretary recalled the visit of General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Viet Nam, last August 29-30, 2024, where the two officials discussed the renewal of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA ) on Defense Cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Secretary Teodoro welcomed back Sr. Col. Luong, who previously served as Vietnam’s Defense Attaché from 2018 to 2021. Sr. Col. Luong was grateful for the opportunity to be back in the Philippines and hopes to build on the positive momentum made by his predecessor, especially as both countries are set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Viet Nam in 2025.

Noting the deepening relationship between the Philippines and Viet Nam, the Defense Chief saw opportunities to explore other areas of cooperation such as in the field of defense industry. He further highlighted Viet Nam’s textile industry, specifically the quality of their military clothing, and hoped to expand the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) source of fabrics.

Both countries discussed non-traditional challenges faced by both sides, such as cybersecurity and climate change. Secretary Teodoro sought to collaborate with Viet Nam in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as the Philippines braces for La Niña in 2025 and other challenges brought about by climate change.

The call concluded with Secretary Teodoro expressing his warm greetings for Viet Nam’s upcoming celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of the Viet Nam People’s Army (VPA) and the 35th National Defense Day of Viet Nam.