ISLAMABAD, 4 September 2026—Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez and Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez attended the reception marking the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam hosted by H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan, at the Vietnamese Ambassador’s Official Residence in Islamabad on 4 September 2026.
The celebration brought together members of the diplomatic corps, senior Pakistani government officials, representatives of the business community, and friends of Vietnam in Pakistan.
In his remarks, Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan reflected on Vietnam’s remarkable journey since President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the country’s Declaration of Independence in 1945, noting that generations of Vietnamese had devoted themselves to defending independence, building the nation, and pursuing a better and happier life for their people.
The Ambassador highlighted Vietnam’s transformation since the launch of its Renovation Policy (Doi Moi) in 1986, which has helped turn the country into a dynamic and deeply integrated economy. He also underscored Vietnam’s strategic development goals of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045.
On Vietnam-Pakistan relations, Ambassador Pham expressed confidence in further deepening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries, noting that 2026 marks 54 years of diplomatic relations. He described Vietnam as an important gateway for Pakistan to the dynamic ASEAN market, while Pakistan could serve as a bridge for Vietnam to South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
He also highlighted the growing economic relationship, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$850 million in 2025, and expressed the two countries’ shared ambition to bring trade to US$1 billion and beyond. He called for greater cooperation in areas such as electronics, chemicals and information technology, as well as closer cultural and tourism exchanges.
Ambassador Fernandez congratulated Ambassador Pham, the Government and people of Vietnam on the occasion of their National Day and expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for Vietnam’s friendship and its important role in ASEAN.
The celebration was likewise an opportunity to reaffirm the close bonds among ASEAN Member States in Islamabad and to celebrate Vietnam’s remarkable achievements, resilience and continued commitment to peace, cooperation and development. END
