The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) moved to deepen their strategic partnership on Tuesday (March 3) as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Korean President Lee Jae-myung to Malacañan Palace for a two-day state visit marked by new agreements, high-level talks, and renewed commitments to regional stability and economic cooperation.
President Lee’s visit — his first since assuming office June last year — comes as the two countries mark the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a partnership that was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024 and further strengthened by a recent free trade agreement (FTA).
During a bilateral meeting and joint press conference, President Marcos highlighted the progress made in expanding cooperation between Manila and Seoul.
“We agreed that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation toward the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” President Marcos said following talks with President Lee and his delegation.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including defense and security cooperation, maritime collaboration, economic development initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the broad scope of the two nations’ growing relationship.
President Marcos noted that both governments are working to expand trade and investment while maximizing the benefits of the Philippines-ROK FTA.
He also acknowledged South Korea’s role in strengthening Philippine capabilities in several strategic sectors.
The Philippine leader cited Korea’s contributions to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the strengthening of the Philippine Coast Guard, as well as investments that have helped revive the shipbuilding industry and strengthen the country’s semiconductor value chain.
President Marcos also thanked the ROK for supporting major development initiatives, including infrastructure projects such as the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao, as well as programs in health, agricultural mechanization, energy, and artificial intelligence.
He likewise recognized Seoul’s support for the rights and welfare of more than 70,000 Filipinos living and working in Korea.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, particularly in maritime domains, amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Ten new agreements signed
The visit also produced 10 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) covering key sectors, ranging from defense and agriculture to digital cooperation and cultural exchange.
“And as we have just witnessed, we have concluded a number of agreements in the fields of defense materials procurement, veterans affairs, agriculture, trade, investment and economic cooperation, intellectual property, digital cooperation, digitalization and innovation, Korean language training in schools, cultural cooperation, and police cooperation, which will sustain the momentum of the Philippines-ROK Strategic Partnership for the future,” President Marcos said.
The agreements include cooperation on digital technology, innovation programs, defense procurement, veterans affairs, agricultural collaboration, trade and investment promotion, intellectual property protection, Korean language education in Philippine schools, cultural exchange, and police coordination.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by both leaders during their meeting in Malacañang.
State banquet celebrates longstanding friendship
The diplomatic engagements culminated in a state banquet hosted by President Marcos under the chandeliers of the Ceremonial Hall at Malacañan Palace in honor of President Lee and First Lady Kim Hea-kyung.
“It is my distinct honor to welcome His Excellency Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, to Malacañan Palace this evening. The productive relations which we elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 span many areas of mutual interest,” President Marcos said in his toast.
The Philippine leader emphasized the long-standing friendship between Filipinos and Koreans, built through decades of cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, security, and cultural exchange.
“During our comprehensive meetings, President Lee and I covered a wide range of areas in our bilateral partnership, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic development and cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. We have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” the President added.
President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hea-kyung, earlier began his visit by laying a wreath at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park.
He expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Filipino people and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Philippines in areas such as innovation, infrastructure development, maritime and defense engagement, and people-to-people ties.
The visit will conclude Wednesday with the two leaders joining government and business leaders at the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Pasay City, where officials hope to translate the strengthened diplomatic ties into expanded economic collaboration.