The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defense relations with Vietnam. 

This came after the DND officials, led by Undersecretary for Civil, Veteran, and Reserve Affairs Pablo Lorenzo attended the 80th Founding Anniversary of the Viet Nam People's Army (VPA) and the 35th All-People National Defense Day at the National Convention Center in Ha Noi, Vietnam on 20 December. 

Lorenzo represented Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the event, where he conveyed the country’s congratulatory message to Party Secretary General To Lam, Secretary of the Central Military Commission of Viet Nam, and General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Viet Nam. 

In his speech during the event, Lam highlighted the VPA's foundational role in Vietnam's national defense, tracing its origin to the Viet Nam Propaganda Unit of Liberation Army established on 22 December 1944, under the leadership of then President Ho Chi Minh.

He also underscored the importance of national unity and highlighted the role of All-People's Defense Day in raising awareness of the significance of protecting the nation and pushing for collective responsibility from all citizens in terms of national defense.

Lam noted that Vietnam has a steadfast foreign policy, which is centered on the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for each nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a commitment to non-participation in military alliances.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the defense officials’ attendance at the event, “reaffirms the Philippines' commitment to strengthening its defense partnership with Viet Nam.”

The Philippines and Vietnam are set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their establishment of strategic partnership next year.