Philippines, Korea to forge new chapter of closer ties
MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is expected to bring up security and economic cooperation during his meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in today.
Duterte said the Philippines “stands ready to write a new chapter of closer ties, deeper amity and more comprehensive collaboration” with South Korea.
“In my talks with President Moon, I will explore ways to bring cooperation to a whole new level. This will be based on respect for sovereign equality and for the democratic ideals that we both fought hard to secure,” the President told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 yesterday.
“I will emphasize the importance of strengthening our partnership in defense and security, trade and investments, and political cooperation. I will likewise stress the need to work together to help achieve greater security by addressing conventional and emerging threats to stability in our region,” he added.
Duterte left for South Korea yesterday for a three-day official visit that seeks to reaffirm the ties between Manila and Seoul.
The President said the relationship between the Philippines and South Korea is “long and deep,” noting that Filipinos fought alongside South Koreans to defend freedom and democracy nearly 70 years ago. The Philippines sent troops to the Korean Peninsula in the 1950s to help South Koreans during the Korean War.
“Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder in advancing our shared aspirations and in facing threats to our nations, our peoples and in our region,” Duterte said.
“There is much to learn from South Korea’s experience and expertise. Despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, the Republic of Korea successfully transformed itself into one of the most advanced and progressive economies (in) the world,” he added.
Duterte said South Korea has already joined the Philippines in its efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“Our present and future efforts to seek a reinvigorated partnership with South Korea – and indeed with all other countries – shall always be grounded on national interest, common goals and adherence to time-honored principles of international law,” he said.
Duterte is also scheduled to meet with Korean business leaders to invite them to invest in the Philippines.
“I will meet with Korean business leaders and encourage them to be our responsible partners in our pursuit of economic growth. This way, they can actively contribute to our objective of providing a comfortable life for our people,” he said
Duterte will also attend a business forum hosted by the Korean Business community and the Emart Philippine Food Festival. He is scheduled to return home on Tuesday.
The Philippines and South Korea established diplomatic ties on March 3, 1949. About 1.6 million Korean tourists visited the Philippines and about 450,000 Filipino tourists went to South Korea last year.– Alexis Romero
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