Marcos: PH, Korea’s dynamic ties tested by history of sacrifice

The relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea have been tested by sacrifice and made more dynamic by this history, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

He made the remark during his bilateral meeting with President Lee Jae Myung at the State Dining Room of Malacañang.

“Our ties were tested by a history of sacrifice now made more dynamic by our common commitment to freedom, peace, and prosperity,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines will always remember how our friendship was forged during the Korean War when we sent our men to fight alongside our people. That bond cemented in solidarity during very difficult times continues to guide our strategic partnership,” he added.

The President said the closer defense, security and maritime cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea reflected their mutual trust amid the rapidly evolving international security environment.

Meanwhile, their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) also brought new opportunities for trade and investment, including the export of bananas and other tropical fruits and crops in the region, Marcos said.  

He said he looks forward to the Republic of Korea’s continued support for major infrastructure projects, particularly the new Dumaguete Airport, the Samar Pacific Coastal Road, the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project, and the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network.

“And we also appreciate your country’s assistance in the now operational Pangil Bay Bridge in northern Mindanao, which I personally inaugurated in September of 2024,” he said.

“We hope that the construction of the Panay-Guimaras Negros Island Bridge will start as soon as possible. And we appreciate Korea’s strong interest in the new infrastructure initiatives such as the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge,” the President added.

President Lee is in the country for a two-day state visit.

During their meeting, he also mentioned to the South Korean leader the Filipinos’ fondness for Korean culture such as K-pop, K-drama, and Korean food. 

“Excellency, from standing side by side during the Korean War to deepening a strategic partnership today, our relations have come a long way,” he said. — JMA, GMA Integrated News