It is a friendship firmly grounded on shared aspirations for peace and prosperity, and borne out of respect, trust, and confidence.

Tonight we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and tonight, we also celebrate an ever-expanding friendship that predates 30 years of formal interaction between sovereign states.

For in truth, the Philippines and Vietnam’s friendship is forged out of centuries-old interaction, shared experiences and a common regional history.

Even before the advent of Western colonization in the region, our peoples were in constant contact with each other and with our Southeast Asian neighbors.

Vibrant trade through searoutes was sustained even when the Philippines was colonized by Spain. In fact, Philippines ships docked in the old Vietnamese port town of Hoi An engaging in the highly-profitable trade in high-grade silk, porcelain, mother of pearl and other precious cargo.

And as both our countries’ gained independence and charted our own destinies, we reaffirmed the indelible ties that bind us.

Vietnam’s reunification and sovereignty in 1975 was immediately recognized by the Philippines.

Thirty years ago to the day, then Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and Vietnamese Vice Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs Phan Hien signed the Joint Communiqué establishing formal diplomatic relations between our countries.

Since then, we have seen our relationship broaden, strengthen, and flourish with the times to become the multifaceted partnership that it is today.

Indeed, the exchange of visits by our officials, the bilateral agreements concluded by our countries in various areas of cooperation, the robust trade and the development of joint consultative mechanisms attest to the dynamism of Philippine-Vietnamese relations.

In fact, in my visit to Hanoi last year for the PhilippinesVietnam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation, our enthusiasm in our interlinked future was evident. We even set an ambitious trade target of US billion for 2007.

Of course, beyond trade and bilateral relations, we likewise share the commitment to secure peace, stability, and development for our region and world in our engagement in the ASEAN and in various multilateral fora.

We look forward to Vietnam’s hosting of the APEC Summit in November this year and is active participation in the ASEAN Summit during the Philippines’ Chairmanship in Cebu in December.

As we celebrate 30 years of cordial relations, we look forward to a brighter future of cooperation with Vietnam, a union animated by age-old friendship and committed to the pursuit of further peace, harmony and prosperity for our countries and our region.

On this note, may I invite Your Excellencies, friends, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in a toast to:

The good health and success of:

— His Excellency President Nguyen Minh Triet.

— His Excellency Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

— His Excellency Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem.

— The vibrant friendship of our peoples and the enduring peace, progress and prosperity of the Philippines and Vietnam.