South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will embark on a state visit to the country next month, Malacañang announced on Friday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Lee’s visit is scheduled for 3 to 4 March at the invitation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“This is President Lee’s first visit after the South Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement took effect on 31 December 2024,” Castro said.

Under the momentous agreement, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea have reduced or eliminated customs duties on originating goods of the other party in accordance with their respective tariff schedules under Annex 2-A of the FTA.

The visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the RoK in March 1949.

Marcos and Lee are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting to discuss cooperation in defense, maritime cooperation, economic and development collaboration and people-to-people ties.