Marcos, Yoon elevate PH-SK relations to strategic partnership

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order during his meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday.

Marcos and Yoon agreed to elevate Philippine-South Korea relations to a strategic partnership, focusing on concrete cooperation in defense, maritime affairs, trade, economic innovation, critical raw material supply chains, infrastructure development, tourism, digital technology, and energy.

Both leaders highlighted the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between their countries, noting a 'special bond forged in blood' during the Korean War.

South Korea expressed concern over China's actions in the South China Sea and signed a maritime cooperation agreement with the Philippines to promote order and safety in the Asia-Pacific region. Yoon also announced active participation in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly in Horizon Phase 3.

Yoon accepted Marcos' invitation to visit the Philippines, noting plans for enhanced defense industry collaboration and modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including support for the acquisition of FA-50PH light jet fighters from South Korea.

The strategic partnership also includes agreements on nuclear power projects feasibility studies, economic innovation, critical raw material supply chains, infrastructure development, tourism cooperation, digital technology, and energy.