PH, S. Korea agree to boost strategic ties
GYEONGJU, South Korea—After the warm welcome President Marcos and his entourage got from Filipinos on Thursday night, Mr. Marcos announced the forthcoming opening of a consulate office in Busan, and the opening of a Social Security System office at the embassy in Seoul.
At the Wyndham Grand Busan on Thursday, Filipinos expressed appreciation that the President chose to meet with them before getting down to his official business, which included high-level meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec).
Aside from his bilateral talks with other Asean leaders, Mr. Marcos and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also agreed to strengthen the “strategic partnership” they already announced last year.
“When we were in a national crisis, the Philippines sent its military to aid us,” Lee said via translator.
“The people of Korea will never forget the contributions and sacrifices made by the Philippines. Our two countries have maintained a very close relationship of cooperation and support, and I hope that through your visit, we will be able to take that to another level,” he added.
Marcos is set to visit the UN Memorial Cemetery on Sunday to honor Filipino soldiers who died in the Korean War. In 1950, 1,468 troops joined the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea under the United Nations. About 112 died in the war.
Marcos, in his response, expressed “deep gratitude” for the enduring friendship between the two nations and underscored the steady progress of their strategic partnership.
“From fighting side-by-side during the war to providing assistance in times of calamities and protecting the rights and welfare of our nationals, we have reached several milestones,” Marcos said. “One of which was the bilateral free trade agreement, and also our cooperation in areas of defense and security.”
“Next year, the Philippines will chair the Asean summits, and I see a real opportunity for us to promote a rules-based order, a more secure and more prosperous region,” Marcos said, inviting Lee to visit Manila “in the near future.”
New challenges
On Friday, Mr. Marcos joined the leaders of Apec economies in an informal dialogue with guests at the Hwabaek International Convention Center.
“We face challenges now that may not have been contemplated or foreseen when our rules-based system was conceptualized—thus, the need for us to be responsive, dynamic and forward-looking,” Marcos said during his intervention.
“As we grapple to address these challenges, let us not lose sight of our objectives to bring growth, inclusivity and sustainability to our region, as well as the core principles of openness, nondiscrimination and transparency,” the President added.
The President urged member economies to prioritize the full restoration of the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement mechanism and Appellate Body; to support the development of new and forward-looking disciplines that enhance trade in the digital era and foster a more enabling environment for businesses; and to advance the global sustainability agenda, strengthen food security and conclude negotiations on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.
To further strengthen regional connectivity, Mr. Marcos emphasized the importance of building smarter and more sustainable supply chains through regulatory reforms, digitalization and skills development.
The President emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation, promoting regulatory transparency and implementing capacity-building initiatives, while ensuring that digital transformation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence contribute to inclusive and equitable growth throughout the region.
The President emphasized that, ultimately, Apec must preserve its strength and relevance by bridging differences, enhancing capacities and fostering mutual trust among its members. —WITH A REPORT FROM PNA
