President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to sustain the positive trajectory of strategic partnership with South Korea.

“I would like to manifest our willingness to proactively work towards sustaining our cooperation and further deepening our unbreakable bond with the Republic of Korea,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the luncheon hosted for the SoKor delegation led by President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Recalling their discussions during the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia in 2023, President Marcos highlighted the eagerness of both leaders to elevate the strategic partnership between the Philippines and SoKor.

“Today, we have finally achieved our common goal as reflected in the Joint Statement on the Declaration of the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership,” President Marcos said.

The President also acknowledged the historic role of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) that were deployed in 1950 during the Korean War. This contributed to the enduring friendship and solidarity between the two countries, he said.

“Through the same period, our bilateral relations have reflected the same trajectory of strong and vibrant growth,” President Marcos said.

The President noted the comprehensive development of ties between the two nations that continuously evolved over the past 75 years.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea were established on March 3, 1949, marking this year the 75th anniversary of their ties. | PND