PH, South Korea elevate ties to strategic partnership

The Philippines and South Korea elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to Malacañang Palace on October 7, 2024.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the elevation of ties is necessary due to an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic environment.

Both leaders discussed cooperation in political, security, defense, and maritime fields, including concerns in the West Philippine Sea and the Korean Peninsula.

They agreed to boost maritime cooperation between the two countries' Coast Guard forces and uphold an international rules-based order, including on safety of navigation in the South China Sea.

South Korea committed to assisting in the modernization of the Philippine military.

A maritime cooperation agreement was signed to enhance order and safety in the Asia-Pacific region.

The leaders also focused on accelerating the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with President Yoon's visit expected to encourage its swift approval by the Korean National Assembly.

President Yoon highlighted the "special bond forged in blood" between the two nations, referencing the Philippines' significant contribution during the Korean War.