President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday vowed to strengthen the Philippines’ “strategic partnership” with South Korea as he welcomed President Lee Jae Myung to Malacañan Palace on the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In remarks delivered at the State Dining Room, the Philippine President said the visit by his South Korean counterpart underscored decades of cooperation anchored on shared commitments to “freedom, peace, and prosperity.”
“Our ties were tested by a history of sacrifice now made more dynamic by our common commitment to freedom, peace, and prosperity,” Mr. Marcos said.
He recalled the Philippines’ participation in the Korean War, when Filipino troops fought alongside South Korean forces, describing it as the foundation of a relationship “forged during very difficult times” that continues to guide bilateral cooperation.
Marcos said closer defense, security, and maritime collaboration reflects “mutual trust” as both nations respond to a rapidly evolving international security environment.
The two countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership in recent years, expanding cooperation in military modernization, maritime security, and regional stability.
The President also cited gains under the Philippines-South Korea free trade agreement, saying it created new opportunities for trade and investment, including increased exports of Philippine bananas and other tropical agricultural products.
Moreover, he expressed appreciation for South Korea’s support for major infrastructure projects, including the new Dumaguete Airport, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road, the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, and the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network.
Marcos also thanked Seoul for its assistance in the Panguil Bay Bridge in northern Mindanao, which he inaugurated in September 2024, and voiced hope that construction of the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridge would begin soon.
The Philippines likewise welcomed South Korea’s interest in other flagship projects such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge.
Beyond infrastructure and trade, Marcos described a “holistic development partnership” covering artificial intelligence, marine cleanup, water resource management, agricultural mechanization, ambulatory health services, and capacity building.
He also cited cooperation aimed at protecting vulnerable sectors in the Bangsamoro region in the southern Philippines.
“These initiatives directly support the well-being of our people and further strengthen the human connections that are at the heart of the partnership between our two countries,” Marcos said.
He pointed to growing cultural exchanges, noting the popularity of South Korean entertainment in the Philippines and the increasing number of South Koreans visiting and investing in the country.
“Filipinos also have embraced very much Korean culture, starting with K-pop, K-drama, and, of course, our shared values,” Marcos said, adding that Korean cuisine has become “one of the most popular cuisines here in the Philippines.”
The President said the bilateral meeting aimed to further strengthen commitments to “mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation” as the two countries mark more than seven decades of diplomatic relations.
