GYEONGJU, South Korea — President Marcos and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, vowing to deepen cooperation across trade, defense, and regional security during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week here.

President Lee thanked the Philippines for its historic support during the Korean War, calling the two nations “very special friends” bound by solidarity and mutual respect.

“The Republic of Korea and the Philippines are very special friends. When we were in a national crisis, the Philippines sent its military to aid us. So the people of Korea will never forget the contributions and dedication, and sacrifices made by the Philippines,” he said.

He added that both countries have maintained a very close relationship of cooperation and support over the years and expressed hope that the meeting would “take that to another level and have much closer cooperation.”

In response, President Marcos thanked President Lee for the warm welcome and congratulated South Korea on the successful conduct of APEC 2025, describing it as “a milestone for the entire region.”

“I remember, and I will express once again, our deep gratitude for the deep ties that bind our two peoples—from fighting side-by-side during the war, to providing assistance in times of calamities, protecting the rights and welfare of our nationals,” Marcos said.

The President also emphasized that people-to-people exchanges have long been the backbone of the Philippines–South Korea partnership, enriching diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

“I believe that these continuing exchanges are much improved by the people-to-people relationship at every level,” he said.

With this, Marcos invited Lee to visit the Philippines.

“And so before I go any further, Mr. President, I would like to invite you to come and visit us in the near future,” he said.

“I fully agree, and I will try to visit the Philippines when I find some time,” the South Korean leader responded.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the Philippines is proud of the “steady progress” of its strategic partnership with South Korea, citing milestones such as the bilateral free trade agreement and cooperation in defense and security.

“We have already reached several milestones, one of which was the bilateral free trade agreement and also our cooperation in areas of defense and security, amongst other key areas of mutual interest,” he said.

The President also looked ahead to the Philippines’ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Chairship in 2026, saying it will be an opportunity to work closely with South Korea.

“Next year, the Philippines will chair the ASEAN summits, and I see a real opportunity for us to promote a rules-based order, a more secure and more prosperous region,” Marcos said.

The Philippines and South Korea established diplomatic relations in 1949, with ties reinforced by the participation of over 7,000 Filipino soldiers in the Korean War. The two nations signed a free trade agreement in 2023 and continue to expand cooperation in defense, renewable energy, and technology under their strategic partnership.

The Philippines is also South Korea’s oldest partner in ASEAN.