Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo is meeting with his counterparts in New York at the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to strengthen the Philippines' ties with other countries.
Among those he initially met with on Sept. 19 (New York time) were the foreign ministers of South Korea and Norway, DFA said Tuesday.
Manalo met with Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin as both ministers were dedicated to elevate the Philippine-South Korea bilateral relations, which has spanned for about 70 years, to a strategic partnership.
During their talks, the foreign affairs secretary expressed his anticipation of the upcoming 2022-2026 Framework Arrangement Concerning Loans from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund. It will pave the way for the implementation of more development cooperation projects, DFA said.
According to the DFA, South Korea will participate in the country's infrastructure developments, including the construction of highways, railways, ports and airports.
DFA also said the Philippines and Korea "envision a strategic partnership to include increased high-level engagements, closer maritime cooperation, increased collaboration in addressing common security challenges, expanded cooperation in trade and investments and in science and technology."
The Philippines and South Korea also aimed to boost the two countries' people-to-people exchanges through tourism, education exchanges and labor cooperation.
Meanwhile, Manalo also met with his Norwegian counterpart, Anniken Huitfeldt, to reiterate the strong ties between the two countries and affirm the primary importance the two countries place on maritime affairs.
Manalo recognized the Royal Norwegian Government for its firm commitment to support the peace negotiations in the Philippines, DFA said.
"In addition to discussing ways to promote bilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on international affairs," the agency added.