President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed Thursday the launching of the Comprehensive Strategic Partner initiative between the ASEAN and Republic of Korea (ROK), which he said would result in increased ASEAN-ROK collaboration on various areas.
“Today, we launch our Comprehensive Partnership with the ROK, which will now usher in a new era of cooperation between ASEAN and the ROK,” President Marcos said in his intervention during the 25th ASEAN-ROK Summit to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the dialogue relations.
“The Philippines looks to continuing collaborative efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, particularly through maritime safety, security, and the protection of our marine environments, and we welcome initiatives under the Joint Statement of the 24th ASEAN-ROK Summit on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.”
At the same time, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong and steadfast support for the ROK position for lasting peace, security, and stability in a denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
The President also welcomed the ROK’s contributions to upskilling in the region through the ASEAN-ROK Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for ASEAN Mobility (TEAM) Project to improve the quality of its systems, and enhance its resilience and adaptability to technological advancements, digitalization, health emergencies, and climate change.
With regard to trade, the President said the review and upgrade the of ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) must focus on strengthening trade relations to ensure mutual growth and prosperity.
“The proposed upgraded AKFTA should not only facilitate greater market access, but also foster a more inclusive and dynamic economic partnership that will be to the benefit of all parties involved, including our micro, small, and medium enterprises, unlocking new opportunities for our businesses and our people,” President Marcos pointed out.
The President also emphasized the role of innovation and entrepreneurship to the region’s long-term economic development. He also welcomed the establishment of the ASEAN-Korea Industrial Innovation Centre (AKIIC) to support industrial development in ASEAN Member States.
At the same time, the President welcomed further strengthening of people-to-people and cultural exchanges through scholarships, workshops, and activities through relevant sectoral bodies, including the ASEAN-Korea Centre and the cultural centers in Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, and Bangkok.
“We also appreciate the ROK’s contribution to the expansion of scholarship programmes through the ASEAN-ROK “Higher Education for ASEAN Talents” (HEAT) scholarship,” he said. PND
