BUSAN, South Korea — President Marcos and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to strengthen regional cooperation against transnational crimes, including scam operations and other cross-border offenses, during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju.

In a statement, the Blue House said both leaders underscored the need for coordinated efforts among regional partners to combat criminal networks that threaten peace and economic stability in the region.

Lee expressed gratitude for the establishment of a “Korean Help Desk” within Philippine police stations to handle cases involving South Korean nationals. He said the initiative was made possible through Marcos’ support and reflects growing cooperation between the two governments on law enforcement and citizen protection.

“For a long time, South Korea and the Philippines have supported and cooperated with one another as friendly nations,” he said, recalling the Philippines’ deployment of troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War.

President Marcos, for his part, reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with South Korea, particularly in the areas of defense, shipbuilding, and infrastructure.

“I believe that these continuing exchanges are much improved by the people-to-people relationship at every level,” he said, adding that such partnerships contribute to long-term stability.

Marcos also invited Lee to visit the Philippines soon. Lee responded that he “fully agrees” and would visit the Philippines at the earliest possible time.

The two leaders also marked the first anniversary of the Philippines-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which they said had significantly boosted bilateral economic activity.

Both sides vowed to ensure the smooth operation of South Korean companies in the Philippines.

Marcos further noted that the Philippines’ chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year presents an opportunity to promote regional peace and a rules-based international order.

In turn, Lee said he would continue pursuing “peaceful co-existence” on the Korean Peninsula, expressing confidence that Seoul and Manila’s growing partnership would serve as a foundation for wider regional cooperation and prosperity.

President Marcos is in South Korea for the two-day APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, where he called on the member economies to push for growth, inclusivity, and sustainability as the region navigates mounting global challenges.

He likewise courted investors, saying the Philippines is “open, ready, and eager to do business” with them.