Manila: Vietnam opened on Wednesday the cultural exhibit 'Colors of Vietnam' at the Vietnam Embassy in Manila as part of the series of activities to celebrate the two nations' five decades of diplomatic ties this 2026. The exhibit features photographs of Vietnam's most scenic destinations, vibrant culture, and cityscapes emblematic of the country's economic development.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh stated that the initiative reflects Hanoi's commitment to further improve cultural understanding between the two states, describing it as a powerful tool to bridge peoples and create opportunities for more beneficial collaborations. "Culture and people-to-people are powerful tools to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen friendship, and open new doors for cooperation between governments, businesses, and communities," he said. "When people know each other better, trust grows and opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment become more abundant and fruitful," Lai added.
The exhibit showcases photographs taken by Vu Duy B?i, Nguy?n Ti?n Qu?ng, Tr?n Cao B¡o Long, Ng´ Th? H?ng Loan, Ho ng Th? Nhi?m, Nguy?n Van TSm, Nguy?n Thanh T¹ng, and Vu Bch H of the Ho Chi Minh City's Association of Photography. Ties between Vietnam and the Philippines were formally established on July 12, 1976, and were elevated into a strategic partnership in 2015.
As the growing Vietnam-Philippines relations enter five decades in July, Lai said Hanoi will further deepen its engagement with the country, including through the facilitation of high-level visits in the future. "We are committed to working closely with our Philippine friends to organize more meaningful activities, foresee mutual visits at all levels, from high-level delegation to students, artists, and business delegations, and to deliver more practical benefits to the people of both countries," he said.
Beyond Vietnam's position as a co-member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro earlier stated that the government regards the country as an important bilateral partner in its push to "de-risk" the Philippines' future amid complex economic and geopolitical shifts across the world. "We are de-risking our future through Strategic Partnerships with Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Australia, and India. These are not merely symbolic titles; they are engines for technology transfer, defense cooperation, and economic resilience," she said in a recent forum. "These partners serve as our 'force multipliers' in an increasingly volatile region," she added.
