Manila, May 31 -- Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Manila on Sunday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this July.

To Lam and his wife, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, arrived aboard a Vietnam Airlines flight at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 12:40 p.m. and were accorded full arrival honors.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. welcomed the Vietnamese leader on behalf of the Philippine government.

Malacaang earlier said the visit carries special significance as it comes as the Philippines and Vietnam prepare to mark five decades of diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic par...