South Korean leader to visit PH

Metro Manila, Philippines — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the country on Oct. 6-7 upon the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Thursday, Oct. 3.

The PCO said the state visit will be the first by a South Korean head of state since 2011, adding that it will mark a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will welcome Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee at Malacañan Palace on Oct. 7.

“The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting to explore key areas of cooperation, including political, security and defense, maritime, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges,” the PCO said in a statement.

Discussions of the two leaders will also cover labor and consular matters, as well as regional and international issues.

PH-Korea maritime dialogue

Manila and Seoul will also hold their third bilateral maritime dialogue later this year.

The dialogue presents an opportunity for both nations to deepen cooperation in maritime security, the ocean economy, the marine environment, and regional maritime developments.

“Korea is leveraging its competitive advantage to push for greater international partnerships. As a pivotal maritime country, the Philippines is a key partner in the context of Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy,” said Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa in a forum last month.

Lee added that the Philippines is the only member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that has a maritime dialogue with South Korea.

The ambassador also noted that South Korea has consistently supported the Philippines on issues related to the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

“The South China Sea is now hotter and more turbulent than it was in 2016. Since I took office, the Korean government has issued its position on the West Philippine Sea 10 times, reiterating the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight, and a rules-based international order,” Lee said.