President Marcos has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to deepening regional security and cyber cooperation with South Korea, recognizing the East Asian nation as a key partner in promoting peace, stability, and maritime order across Southeast Asia.

In his intervention at the 26th ASEAN–Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit, the President said Seoul’s initiatives, such as the ASEAN Cyber Shield Project, have strengthened the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ collective response to cyber threats and bolstered regional resilience.

“We note the ROK’s initiatives on cybersecurity, such as the ASEAN Cyber Shield Project, which aims to build capacity and train cybersecurity experts across the ASEAN Region. This enhances ASEAN’s overall cybersecurity response capabilities,” he said Monday, Oct. 27.

He also underscored the importance of maritime cooperation, describing it as “essential to regional peace and stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.”

Marcos said the Philippines recognizes the ROK as a valued partner in advancing ASEAN’s maritime priorities, especially in ensuring adherence to a rules-based international order under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The President added that the Philippines looks forward to co-chairing, alongside South Korea and the United States, the ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on Best Practices for Port State Measures to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

Marcos, who is bound for South Korea this week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, welcomed the start of negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN–Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA), describing it as a “timely step” toward strengthening economic ties amid a volatile global economy.

“The review of the AKFTA is an important signal of our shared determination to keep markets open and to push back against growing protectionist tendencies,” he said.

“By doing so, we reaffirm ASEAN and Korea’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and cooperation in trade,” he added.

The President also praised South Korea’s continuing support for ASEAN’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startup sectors, citing initiatives such as the ASEAN–Korea Startup Week, which connects emerging ASEAN businesses with Korean investors and mentors.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the importance of South Korea’s contributions to ASEAN’s disaster preparedness programs, including the ASEAN Standards and Certification for Experts in Disaster Management (ASCEND), funded by the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation Fund.

He said the project “will enhance the quality of human resources in disaster management by establishing a common set of standard skills and competencies among ASEAN countries.”

As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the region, the Philippines, he added, “welcomes the ROK’s continued partnership in building resilience and saving lives.”

The President also commended South Korea’s support for ASEAN’s socio-cultural initiatives, including the ASEAN–Korea Music Festival, the ASEAN–ROK Film Community Programme, and the KONNECT ASEAN art and culture exchange.

“These initiatives empower and enhance people-to-people interactions and act as an avenue for creatives to refine their crafts,” he said, noting their contribution to the growth of regional creative industries.

On environmental cooperation, Marcos cited projects such as the Clean Air for Sustainable ASEAN (CASA) and the ASEAN–Korea Cooperation for Methane Mitigation (AKCMM), which aim to improve air quality and promote sustainability across the region.

“These types of initiatives demonstrate our shared commitment to advancing the vision of a sustainable ASEAN Community,” he said.

Marcos expressed confidence that ASEAN and South Korea will continue to work together to “advance peace, prosperity, and security in our region.”

“We are guided by a common goal of uplifting the lives of our peoples,” he said.