During his state visit to the Philippines, President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit with President Ferdinand Marcos to elevate the relationship between the two countries to a “strategic partner relationship.” The declaration adopted during the summit aims to strengthen defense, defense industry, and maritime cooperation between South Korea and the Philippines. This marks the first time the two countries have established official bilateral relations since they established diplomatic relations in 1949.
The summit covered various areas of cooperation, including expanding Korean military participation in Philippines-U.S. joint exercises, increasing Korean involvement in Philippine defense modernization projects, enhancing maritime cooperation, and exploring opportunities for joint infrastructure projects in the Philippines. Seven documents, including Memoranda of Understanding, were signed during the summit, with South Korea pledging significant financial support for infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
Both leaders also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the South China Sea, agreeing to continue cooperation in establishing a rules-based maritime order. They reaffirmed their commitment to non-proliferation efforts and condemned North Korea’s nuclear activities and illicit military cooperation.
In addition to the official meetings, President Yoon’s wife, Kim Geon-hee, and the Philippines’ First Lady, Louie Araneta, visited the National Museum of the Philippines as part of the bilateral engagements. The summit signifies a new chapter in the relationship between South Korea and the Philippines, with increased cooperation in various strategic areas for mutual benefit and regional stability.
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