On September 16, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Philippines (July 12, 1976 – July 12, 2026) was held in a solemn, friendly, and warm atmosphere. The program also served as an occasion to welcome the new Consuls General of the Philippines and Cambodia in HCMC, contributing to strengthening connections within the ASEAN community.
Attending the program were leaders of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of HCMC, the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO), Consuls General of ASEAN countries, friendship organizations, agencies, units, and numerous guests.
A highlight of the program was the active participation of the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association in HCMC (VAFA). Speaking at the program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan – President of the Association emphasized the value of people-to-people diplomacy, in which cultural exchange, academic education, youth engagement, and community connection help Vietnam – Philippines relations move beyond official agreements to become vibrant, sustainable bonds between the people of the two countries.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan also expressed her gratitude to Lawyer Le Thi Phung – former Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in HCMC, recognizing her persistent contributions over 15 years to cultivating the Vietnam – Philippines friendship; at the same time, she welcomed Ms. Querobine D. Laccay – the new Consul General of the Philippines in HCMC. The image of “bidding farewell to a long-time companion – welcoming a new friend” represents the continuity of a friendship preserved and nurtured through many generations.
Speaking at the program, Consul General Querobine D. Laccay highly appreciated the role of the Vietnam – Southeast Asia Friendship Association in HCMC in proactively acting as a bridge, promoting exchange activities, and strengthening relations between the two sides. She emphasized that cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy contribute to developing the partnership not only at a strategic level but also with humanistic depth and community cohesion.
The program was also accompanied by the Southeast Asian Tea Research Center, with tea appreciation and cultural exchange activities. Tea Master Ngo Thi Thanh Tam contributed to introducing tea culture as a means of connecting people, creating a space for intimate dialogue among ASEAN friends.
Notably, students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City participated as volunteers for the event, contributing to portraying a dynamic, responsible young generation and directly practicing the spirit of ASEAN exchange and connection.
Concluding her remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan shared a meaningful image: a tea party is not just for enjoying tea, but is a space for connecting people – where a cup of tea can open a conversation, an encounter can create understanding, and from that understanding, the friendship between communities is nurtured.
From a cup of tea, a conversation to bridges of friendship, the program has added a vivid imprint to the people-to-people diplomacy of HCMC, while spreading the spirit of solidarity in diversity, connecting the community, and working together to cultivate a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable ASEAN.
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