Philippines, South Korea to strengthen, defense ties

November 6, 2018

The Philippines and South Korea pledged in talks on Tuesday to bolster political, economic and defense cooperation as both Asian nations prepare to mark the 70th anniversary of their bilateral ties next year.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique Manalo led the Philippine delegation and Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho for Korea.

"We welcomed the steady growth of ties into a mature and ever growing relationship, underpinned by a continuing partnership to achieve mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation as well as supporting the larger region’s aspirations for peace, stability and prosperity,” Manalo said in a statement at the conclusion of the two-day meeting.

Manalo said the Philippines advocated further cooperation in consular matters, labor, science and technology, transport and infrastructure, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), energy, health and environmental protection.

Around 100,000 Koreans are living in the Philippines while Filipino residents in Korea are estimated at 40,000.

South Koreans are one of the top tourist groups in the country, along with China, Japan and United States, with more than 1.4 million visitors in 2017, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

South Korea has also provided equipment and fighter jets to the Philippine military. DMS