VIDEO:

TRANSCRIPT:

Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
At the state banquet in honor of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang 

[Delivered at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace on October 26, 2011]

It has been a year since I was in Hanoi, when my first State Visit was to your nation. Now it is our turn to welcome Your Excellency and your delegation. It is a privilege to be able to show our neighbors some of our world-renowned hospitality.

Mr. President, your presence here is proof positive of the growth in relations between the Philippines and Vietnam. Our nations emerged from colonialism only to find ourselves standing on opposite sides during the Cold War; but the past 35 years have reminded us just how quickly things can change. Today we find ourselves close allies, with ever-strengthening political, economic, and security ties forged out of a common interest in peace and prosperity.

We in the Philippines are proud to stand beside Vietnam in ASEAN. The enhancement in our bilateral relations over the last year has been a source of great satisfaction. Together, we have embarked on developing a shared approach to addressing the many challenges that confront our respective nations and, indeed, our nation. The future can only see us grow closer.

With this opening of a new era in the friendship between our governments and our peoples, allow me to propose a toast:

To the success and health of President Truong Tan Sang: may there be sustained and deepening comradeship between not only us, but also our governments and citizens.

To the continued growth of the ASEAN region: may our region become one of enduring peace, inclusive prosperity, and cooperation built on good will.

And to the deepening friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Vietnam: may we continue to stand together out of a shared commitment to our respective national sovereignties, and to the mutual respect, and concern, that is the firmest foundation for the bright future to which we all aspire.