House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the Philippine visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and said that it "sets the stage for an even closer partnership" between the two nations. 

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year, President Yoon’s visit is a milestone that sets the stage for an even closer partnership,” Speaker Romualdez said in a statement Monday, Oct. 7. 

“The elevation of our relations to a strategic partnership signals our shared commitment to navigate the increasingly complex global landscape together,” added the House chief, who took part in the state luncheon held Monday in Malacañang in honor of President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. 

Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, stressed that Philippine Congress stands fully united in pursuing the strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the two Asian nations. 

“Congress is fully committed to nurturing and expanding our dynamic and multifaceted relations with South Korea. This partnership is vital to achieving shared prosperity and mutual growth,” Romualdez said. 

The Leyte 1st district congressman also expressed optimism about the future of the Philippines-ROK partnership as he highlighted the steady progress in defense modernization, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange. 

“South Korea has long been one of our most reliable partners, not only in terms of trade but also in defense and security. Our nations continue to benefit greatly from this relationship,” the Speaker pointed out. 

He emphasized South Korea’s critical role in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its involvement in humanitarian efforts through joint exercises like KAMANDAG. 

“South Korea is a trusted defense partner, and their support for our military modernization and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is crucial to strengthening our national security and territorial integrity,” he said. 

He also noted the growing economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly the recent completion of domestic requirements for the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to further enhance trade relations and economic exchanges. 

“South Korea remains a key trading partner, and with the FTA, we foresee greater opportunities to expand our trade relations and increase economic exchanges for the benefit of both nations,” he said. 

Romualdez likewise acknowledged ROK’s willingness to support infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including a feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and emphasized the importance of learning from its experience in utilizing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. 

“South Korea’s contributions to our development priorities through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund have been invaluable, and we look forward to continued cooperation in areas such as energy and infrastructure,” the Speaker said. 

With South Korea consistently ranking as the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists for the past two years, Speaker Romualdez cited the crucial role of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering stronger cultural bonds between the two nations. 

“The strong bond between our people is a cornerstone of our relationship, and we are excited to see this connection flourish further through increased tourism and cultural exchanges,” he said. 

In July 2023, then-Speaker Kim Jin-Pyo of South Korea’s National Assembly paid a courtesy call on Speaker Romualdez at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, which further strengthend the amity and the spirit of cooperation between the Legislature of both countries. 

During the visit, Romualdez presented House Resolution (HR) No. 93, which had been adopted to express solidarity with South Korea on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.