Old allies, new ambitions

Time truly flies. It seems just yesterday that I arrived, eager to discover this beautiful country and to get to know its warm, welcoming people.

 On a more formal note, this is our first meeting since Korea and the Philippines elevated our ties to a Strategic Partnership last October, a milestone that both honors our history and sets a more ambitious course for cooperation.

 Korea has come through a period of domestic uncertainty following the declaration of martial law last December.

With the inauguration of President Lee Jae-myung’s new government, stability has been restored across the board.

We believe this renewed confidence at home will translate into fresh momentum in our 76-year-old ties.

I want to express my gratitude to the Philippines for the trust you have shown in the resilience of Korea’s democracy.

 That confidence is already visible in the economic sphere.

Following the entry into force of the Korea–Philippines Free Trade Agreement last December, Korea recently topped the list of foreign investors based on PEZA-approved projects.

We expect even more good news in the months ahead as businesses act on the new opportunities unlocked by the FTA and the Philippines’ CREATE MORE Act.

 In this context, let me also congratulate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his recent visit to the United States, the first by an Asean leader since President Trump’s second term in office began, and wish him success and fruitful outcomes, including progress on tariff-related concerns.

Korea, too, is making a final push in its own negotiations with Washington on similar issues.

Looking ahead, I hope President Marcos Jr. will attend the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, Korea from 31 October to 1 November this year.

That gathering comes just ahead of the Philippines’ assumption of the Asean chairmanship in 2026.

Together, these events offer a timely platform to deepen coordination among friends committed to a free, open, and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

 Korea knows what solidarity means. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Korean War.

We will never forget that the Philippines was the first Asian nation to send combat troops in 1950, ultimately more than 7,000 strong.

 Because our bond was forged in the crucible of war, it is natural that Korea stands as a reliable partner of the Philippines, particularly when we face deepening global instability, one that is fraught with fragmentation and uncertainty.

As fellow maritime nations, we share an abiding interest in peace and stability, as well as upholding a rules-based order in the South China Sea and beyond.

 Our defense cooperation continues to grow. A Korean-built frigate, the BRP Miguel Malvar, was commissioned in May.

And with the 12 additional FA-50 fighter aircraft contracted in June, this active  defense cooperation will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 When it comes to our partnership, what binds us stronger are our people, culture, and everyday connection.

Koreans and Filipinos are discovering more ways to learn from and lean on one another, from education exchanges and tourism to creative industries and start‑up collaboration.

 And of course, culture is where many of us feel that connection most vividly.

Korean culture continues to bring our communities closer. I am glad that Filipinos enthusiastically streamed the latest Squid Game season and embraced the animated hit K-Pop Demon Hunters.

 Building on that excitement, the Korean Cultural Center is hosting “Step Into the World of K-Pop Demon Hunters” until 4 August.

I encourage all of you to visit and try on the iconic gat, and create traditional maedeup knots and paint your own Magpie-and-Tiger folk art piece.

It’s a fun, hands-on way to experience Korea’s creative spirit.