Korean President Lee to visit Phl

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to make a State Visit to the country next month, Malacanang Palace announced on Friday.

In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that President Lee’s state visit is scheduled from 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 (FTA) 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 schedule of tariff commitments under Annex 2-A of the FTA.

The Palace Press Officer said the visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the ROK in March 1949.

Marcos Jr. 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.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues and reaffirm the vibrant and dynamic relations between the Philippines and the ROK.

Prior to the upcoming visit, President Marcos and President Lee held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju in October 2025.

They also held a telephone conversation on 14 August, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the ROK.