By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
On Tuesday, June 10, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to South Korea’s newly elected president, Lee Jae-Myung, expressing the Philippines’ intent to bolster bilateral ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK).
President Marcos said in a statement released on social media: “On behalf of the Filipino people, I congratulate Lee Jae-Myung on his election as President of the Republic of Korea.”
The Chief Executive noted that the Philippines values its deep and enduring ties with South Korea, “I look forward to working with him to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between our two countries.”
Lee Jae-Myung secured the presidency in a closely watched snap election that drew regional and international attention, following the impeachment of his predecessor President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Philippines and South Korea elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in October last year, aiming to deepen cooperation in maritime security, climate change, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1949. Since then, the two have shared a strong, multifaceted relationship characterized by robust partnerships in various fields like defense, security, trade, and cultural exchange.
Beyond military ties, the two nations are significant economic partners, with South Korea being a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for the Philippines. In tourism, South Koreans remained the number one foreign tourists in the Philippines.
Furthermore, cultural exchange, people-to-people connections, and food, fueled by phenomena like K-pop and K-dramas, contribute to a vibrant and growing relationship between Manila and Seoul. (PNA)
