SEOUL — In a recent phone conversation, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Philippine counterpart, Enrique Manalo, discussed efforts to enhance the bilateral relationship between their countries.
According to Yonhap News Agency, This discussion marks the first official dialogue between the two diplomats since Cho's inauguration in January. During the conversation, Cho highlighted the significance of this year's 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Philippines, also noting the recent exchange of congratulatory messages between their leaders, Seoul's foreign ministry reported.
Manalo proposed active high-level exchanges to forge a new partnership and deepen future-oriented relations. To strengthen their relationship, both officials agreed to coordinate visits to each other's countries at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, Cho sought support from the Southeast Asian nation for the upcoming Summit for Democracy, to which Manalo pledged active backing. The summit, a U.S.-led initiative designed to foster solidarity among democracies, is set to hold its third session in Seoul from March 18-20.
Additionally, Cho expressed his condolences for the loss of two Philippine crew members in an attack by Houthi rebels in Yemen, further emphasizing the depth of the bilateral discussions.
SEOUL — The South Korean foreign ministry announced the appointment of a new special envoy for Indo-Pacific affairs on Friday, a move aimed at expanding the country's diplomatic focus beyond North Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, Chung Kee-yong, formerly the ambassador to Morocco, will assume the role, tasked with promoting South Korea's strategy in the Indo-Pacific region and enhancing cooperation with key partners both within and outside the region on various issues.
Chung, a career diplomat with a rich background that includes serving as the director general for climate, environment, and science, and as a counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Washington, brings a wealth of experience to the position. His appointment is part of South Korea's effort to implement its Indo-Pacific strategy, unveiled by the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in late 2022. This strategy aims to foster freedom, peace, and prosperity through a rules-based order characterized by inclusiveness, trust, and reciprocity. It focuses on security cooperation, economic and scientific technology partnerships, climate change, and development cooperation.
Following Chung's new appointment, Yoon Yeon-jean, the deputy ambassador to Austria, will succeed him as the new ambassador to Morocco.