The delegates of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) for the 8th Philippines-Vietnam Senior Officer’s Exchange Visit Program (SOEVP) headed by Military Corps 1 Deputy Commander Senior Col. Le Van Phan, rendered a courtesy call on Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido at the Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on October 17, 2023.
Sr. Col. Phan and Lt. Gen. Galido discussed excellent opportunities to strengthen alliances, networking, idea sharing, and defense industry developments. The Army chief also expresses support for VPA in addressing a wide spectrum of security challenges common for both countries. He also highlighted the significance of SOEVP which serves as an avenue for cultural awareness and fosters camaraderie and confidence building for both countries.
The Philippines and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam established formal diplomatic relations on July 12, 1976. In 2002, both countries signed the Philippines-Vietnam Plan of Action 2007-2010. The Plan of Action intensifies Philippine-Vietnamese relations in the areas of political, security and defense, economic matters, and regional & international cooperation.
Similarly, the SOEVP is an annual senior military-to-military activity hosted alternately by the AFP and the VPA. The 8th SOEVP is a 10-day activity from October 15-24, 2023 consisting of courtesy calls, visits, and tours at historical sites in Metro Manila, Quezon, and Rizal.
Photos by SSg Cesar P. Lopez, OACPA