Marcos leaves for Vietnam for 2-day official visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos speaks during a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on February 9, 2023. (Photo by Kimimasa MAYAMA / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday is headed to Vietnam for an official visit.

Marcos’ plane departed from Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 1:06 p.m. He is expected to stay in Vietnam from January 29 to 30.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA),  Marco was invited by Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng. Marcos and Võ Văn Thưởng will meet to discuss deepening cooperation between the two countries.

“The President is also expected to meet with business sectors to promote trade and investment relations between the Philippines and Vietnam, and as expected, the President will also meet with the Filipino community where he will highlight our friendly relations with Vietnam,” said DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza.

The DFA said there are around 7,000 Filipinos in Vietnam, most of whom are professionals.

Marcos left Vice President Sara Duterte as the Philippines’ caretaker.