The Philippines and South Korea are tying up to uphold democracy as diplomats of both sides met to discuss more ways to cooperate.
During Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Jesus Domingo's meeting with South Korea Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Park Yongmin, the former expressed Manila's commitment to fight authoritarianism as they raised possible cooperation on democracy and open government partnership.
Domingo also conveyed Manila's support for activities that would address and fight corruption as well as advance the respect for human rights under the Summit for Democracy, the DFA said.
Domingo served as the head of the Philippine delegation during a series of conferences in Seoul and Jeju Island.
During the events, he "conveyed the Philippine interest and readiness to further its role in these summits and ideas on how to synergize democratic and non-proliferation efforts," the DFA said.
He also took the opportunity to brief Park on Philippine initiatives in the recently-held Open Government Partnership regional meeting in Estonia, DFA added.
The Philippines hosted two side events during the meeting where it highlighted the nexus between existing technologies and innovative approaches towards fiscal openness, transparency, public participation and legislative oversight, according to DFA.
"Undersecretary Domingo and Deputy Minister Park also had a warm and productive exchange on regional security cooperation, energy, civil defense, social and cultural development, maritime concerns, and people-to-people exchanges including training and development of young diplomats," the department added.