PH, South Korea boost ties with new defense deals

The Philippine and South Korean governments have formalized several new agreements seeking to enhance the defense capabilities of two countries during the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday, March 3. 

The Department of National Defense (DND) said Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Korean Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul signed the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

“The MOU seeks to enhance tribute initiatives for Filipino Korean War veterans, promote exchanges among their descendants, and strengthen the administrative capacities of veterans affairs institutions in both countries,” the DND said in a statement Wednesday. 

Further, the DND also signed Amendment Number 2 to the Implementing Arrangement between the DND and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the procurement of defense equipment. 

“Signed by DND Undersecretary for Acquisition and Resource Management Salvador Melchor B. Mison, Jr. and ROK Minister of DAPA Lee Yong Cheol, the amendment provides for support from the ROK in the procurement and maintenance of defense materials, further advancing the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the Defense department said. 

The agreements were based on the shared history and values of Manila and Seoul, the DND said. 

“In light of the 77th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year, these initiatives reinforce the elevated strategic partnership between the Philippines and the ROK, grounded in shared history, mutual commitment, and common values, and contribute to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” it said. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos invited Lee last year to visit the Philippines, saying that it would be a real opportunity for both leaders “to promote a rules-based order, a more secure and more prosperous region.”

In his bilateral meeting with President Lee, Marcos said their discussions covered several areas, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic and development cooperation, and of course people-to-people exchanges. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News