Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo will meet with his counterparts in New York at the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly to boost the Philippines’ international diplomatic relations.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Manalo met on September 19 with the foreign ministers of South Korea and Norway.
During the meeting, Manalo and Korean Foreign Minister Park committed to elevate their countries’ bilateral relations, which has spanned for about 70 years, to a strategic partnership.
Manalo expressed his anticipation of the upcoming 2022-2026 Framework Arrangement Concerning Loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund to finance the implementation of more development cooperation projects in the Philippines.
According to the DFA, South Korea will participate in the Philippines’ infrastructure development program, notably the construction of highways, railways, ports and airports.
The DFA also said the Philippines and Korea “envision a strategic partnership to include increased high-level engagements, closer maritime cooperation, increased collaboration in addressing common security challenges, expanded cooperation in trade and investments and in science and technology.”
The Philippines and South Korea also aimed to boost their people-to-people exchanges through tourism, education exchanges and labor cooperation.
Manalo also met with his Norwegian counterpart, Anniken Huitfeldt, to reaffirm the strong ties between the two countries, as well as the primary importance the two countries place on maritime affairs.
Manalo acknowledged the Royal Norwegian Government for its firm commitment to support the peace negotiations in the Philippines, the DFA said.
“In addition to discussing ways to promote bilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on international affairs,” the department stressed.