South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the Philippines on Oct. 6 to 7, 2024, is a testament to the enduring solidarity between the two nations. This visit offers an opportunity to reaffirm the historical ties that bind South Korea and the Philippines, while advancing new areas of cooperation that will benefit both countries in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Philippines’ unwavering support for South Korea during the Korean War remains a cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries. The participation of over 7,400 Filipino soldiers in the Korean War stands as a symbol of the Philippines’ commitment to peace and security in the region. This contribution, though made seven decades ago, still resonates in the hearts of many Koreans, who deeply appreciate the role the Philippines played in defending their freedom and sovereignty.
As both nations move forward, the spirit of this shared sacrifice should inspire deeper cooperation, especially in areas such as defense and regional security.
The evolving geopolitical landscape in East Asia underscores the need for stronger partnerships, and the Philippines and South Korea, as long-standing allies, are well-positioned to collaborate on maintaining peace and stability in the region. Recall that from 2013 to 2017, South Korea supplied 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets procured by our government to boost the Philippine Air Force’s fleet. Continuing bilateral cooperation will go a long way toward enhancing the Philippines’ air defense capabilities.
One of the key highlights of President Yoon’s visit is the furtherance of the PH-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It is hoped that the agreement’s full fruition will be achieved in terms of increasing access to the South Korean market, which is particularly important for Philippine agricultural products, electronics, and other key exports.
The FTA also serves as a platform for addressing trade imbalances and ensuring that both countries benefit from the partnership. As the Philippines looks to modernize its industries and enhance its competitiveness, South Korea’s expertise in advanced technologies, manufacturing, and infrastructure development can play a critical role in supporting these efforts.
South Korean investments have been a significant driver of growth in the Philippines. From manufacturing to real estate, energy, and infrastructure, South Korean companies have contributed to job creation and economic development across the country. President Yoon’s visit is expected to further strengthen these investment flows, particularly in key sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
A vital objective of Philippines-Korea bilateral cooperation is to promote sustainable development through technological innovation and green growth, By engaging more actively in this initiative, the Philippines can benefit from South Korea’s technological expertise and access new avenues for sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the future of PH-Korean relations lies in building on the foundation of historical solidarity while expanding economic, technological, and security cooperation. One important area for growth is in the digital economy, where South Korea is a global leader. By fostering closer collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart cities, the Philippines can accelerate its own digital transformation and future-proof its economy.
The two countries should also deepen their cooperation in regional security, maritime defense, and climate resilience, ensuring that both are well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.