President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during the arrival honors at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang Palace in Manila on March 3, 2026, marking the start of the South Korean leader’s two-day state visit to the Philippines. (Mark Balmores)
President Marcos and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, March 3, for the latter's two-day state visit.
Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed Lee and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung on Tuesday afternoon.
Lee was accorded arrival honors at the Kalayaan Grounds inside the Palace upon his arrival. Members of the Marcos Cabinet were also present to welcome South Koreans First Couple.
After rendering the arrival honors, Marcos led Lee to the Malacañan Reception Hall for the signing of the Guest Book.
Marcos and Lee then held a tête-à-tête, followed by a bilateral meeting to exchange views on regional and international issues and reaffirm the countries’ strategic partnership.
After the bilateral meeting, they held a presentation of signed agreement and joint press conference.
This is the first state visit to the Philippines by the South Korean leader since the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries took effect on Dec. 31, 2024.
Marcos had earlier invited Lee to visit the Philippines during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea.