NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
South Korean President To Visit PH In 2025
Photo credit: PCO
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is eagerly anticipating his visit to the Philippines either this year or early next year, as the two nations celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. South Korean Ambassador-designate Lee Sang-Hwa conveyed this message during the presentation of his credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on Monday.
Ambassador Lee shared that President Yoon Suk Yeol had expressed his strong desire to visit the Philippines during the credential ceremony in Seoul. He further stated that if the visit does not take place this year, it is highly likely to occur in the first half of the following year, aligning with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties.
President Marcos responded by expressing his own anticipation of meeting the South Korean leader during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit scheduled for November. He mentioned that while there are several conferences throughout the year, the APEC Summit would provide an opportunity for a potential bilateral meeting between the two leaders. President Marcos also acknowledged that both countries would need to coordinate their schedules accordingly, considering the recent completion of his administration's first year, which has been marked by numerous significant events.
During the discussion, Ambassador Lee also informed President Marcos that South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kin Jin-Pyo and the South Korean Foreign Minister are set to visit the Philippines this year to engage with their counterparts, further strengthening the relations between the two countries.
President Marcos highlighted that his administration has implemented essential policies in the initial year to facilitate the transformation of the Philippine economy. He expressed optimism about the future, particularly in the post-pandemic world, and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and alliances with countries like South Korea in achieving a better future and a stronger alliance. The President also noted the increasing prominence of ASEAN alliances in terms of regional security and defense, highlighting upcoming joint exercises with ASEAN member nations to enhance stability in the region.
Ambassador Lee echoed President Marcos' sentiments, stating that South Korea fully agrees with the President's regional outlook. He expressed the desire to formally elevate the relationship between the two countries to a strategic partnership in the near future, encompassing areas such as security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, Ambassador Lee reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to energy cooperation with the Philippines and mentioned their keen interest in exploring the potential of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant for energy generation, proposing a joint feasibility study.
The trade between the Philippines and South Korea has been robust, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 15.44 billion in 2022. South Korea stands as the Philippines' fourth-largest trading partner, with exports valued at USD 3.13 billion (ranking as the seventh-largest export destination) and imports valued at USD 12.31 billion (ranking as the fourth-largest import source).
Regarding defense collaboration, the Philippines has procured key equipment from South Korea, including two 2,600-ton frigates, 12 units of FA-50 aircraft for the Philippine Air Force, and a Pohang-class corvette for the Philippine Navy. Additionally, last year, the defense department signed a P30-billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to acquire six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy, with the initial delivery scheduled for 2025.
Ambassador Lee shared that President Yoon Suk Yeol had expressed his strong desire to visit the Philippines during the credential ceremony in Seoul. He further stated that if the visit does not take place this year, it is highly likely to occur in the first half of the following year, aligning with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties.
President Marcos responded by expressing his own anticipation of meeting the South Korean leader during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit scheduled for November. He mentioned that while there are several conferences throughout the year, the APEC Summit would provide an opportunity for a potential bilateral meeting between the two leaders. President Marcos also acknowledged that both countries would need to coordinate their schedules accordingly, considering the recent completion of his administration's first year, which has been marked by numerous significant events.
During the discussion, Ambassador Lee also informed President Marcos that South Korean National Assembly Speaker Kin Jin-Pyo and the South Korean Foreign Minister are set to visit the Philippines this year to engage with their counterparts, further strengthening the relations between the two countries.
President Marcos highlighted that his administration has implemented essential policies in the initial year to facilitate the transformation of the Philippine economy. He expressed optimism about the future, particularly in the post-pandemic world, and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and alliances with countries like South Korea in achieving a better future and a stronger alliance. The President also noted the increasing prominence of ASEAN alliances in terms of regional security and defense, highlighting upcoming joint exercises with ASEAN member nations to enhance stability in the region.
Ambassador Lee echoed President Marcos' sentiments, stating that South Korea fully agrees with the President's regional outlook. He expressed the desire to formally elevate the relationship between the two countries to a strategic partnership in the near future, encompassing areas such as security and defense cooperation, trade and investment, and people-to-people exchanges. Additionally, Ambassador Lee reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to energy cooperation with the Philippines and mentioned their keen interest in exploring the potential of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant for energy generation, proposing a joint feasibility study.
The trade between the Philippines and South Korea has been robust, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 15.44 billion in 2022. South Korea stands as the Philippines' fourth-largest trading partner, with exports valued at USD 3.13 billion (ranking as the seventh-largest export destination) and imports valued at USD 12.31 billion (ranking as the fourth-largest import source).
Regarding defense collaboration, the Philippines has procured key equipment from South Korea, including two 2,600-ton frigates, 12 units of FA-50 aircraft for the Philippine Air Force, and a Pohang-class corvette for the Philippine Navy. Additionally, last year, the defense department signed a P30-billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to acquire six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy, with the initial delivery scheduled for 2025.
Jul 11, 2023
