Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. engaged in discussions to enhance bilateral cooperation during their summit talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. Lee expressed his hopes for an elevated level of cooperative ties between South Korea and the Philippines through Marcos’ visit to South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee highlighted the long-standing support and cooperation between the two nations, noting the Philippines’ deployment of troops during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. President Marcos acknowledged the multiple milestones achieved in bilateral ties, including a bilateral free trade agreement and collaboration in defense and security sectors.
Lee expressed gratitude for the establishment of a “Korean help desk” within the Philippine police, aimed at addressing cases involving South Korean nationals, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-jun. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in key areas such as defense, shipbuilding, and infrastructure. They also committed to regional coordination efforts to combat transnational crime, including scam centers.
Lee further emphasized his commitment to “peaceful co-existence” on the Korean Peninsula, while Marcos assured cooperation in these efforts, especially as the Philippines will chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year, Kim added.