In photo from left: South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim In-chul and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez discussed how the PH-Korea relationship will be strengthened during the visit of Korean Envoy at DTI last June 23, 2021 (Photo courtesy of DTI-OSEC)
By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
The Philippines and South Korea have forged a strong friendship way back in 1950 when the Philippine Forces’ participated in the Korean War and arrived in Busan Korea (September 19, 1950) at the Korean War Monument to the Philippine Armed Forces in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do.
Needless to say, the Philippines was the third country in the world that sent ground troops to Korea, following the United States and United Kingdom, and there were 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served in Korea for three years and made great achievements in the Battle of Yultong in April 1951 and among them, 112 made the ultimate sacrifice, 288 were wounded, 16 went missing in action, and 41 became prisoners of war.
Interestingly, the Filipino soldiers did not only support Korea to reconstruct itself after the war but also contributed a small number of troops to the United Nations Command to overseas the armistice.
Cognizant of the sacrifices and dedication of the Filipino soldiers for the love and support of South Korea, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Kim In-Chul paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez last June 23, 2021, to reaffirm Korea’s commitment in many cooperations in trade and investment.
Interestingly, both officials shared their respective countries’ policy direction to further strengthen their bilateral trade relations, and support their respective economic recovery efforts. Both officials emphasized the need to immediately conclude the ongoing PH-ROK free trade agreement (FTA) negotiation to enhance market access of key products of interests of the two countries. The two officials also discussed cooperation on innovation and the automotive industry.
Recently, the Philippines made its first batch of shipment of okra (lady fingers) to South Korea earlier this month. The Philippines looks forward to more exports of agricultural products.