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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos to Lee: PH–Korea ties advancing under strategic partnership

Marcos to Lee: PH–Korea ties advancing under strategic partnership

Published Mar 4, 2026 08:45 am
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung (PCO)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung (PCO)
President Marcos underscored the deepening strategic partnership between the Philippines and South Korea as he hosted a state banquet in honor of South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung and First Lady Kim Hea-kyun in Malacañan on Tuesday evening, March 4.
In his toast at the Ceremonial Hall, Marcos said decades of cordial and productive relations between Manila and Seoul were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024 and now span many areas of mutual interest.
He noted that during their comprehensive meetings, they discussed defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic development, and people-to-people exchanges.
“We are in full agreement that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” Marcos added.

Trade, defense, and infrastructure cooperation

The President said both sides are working to enhance bilateral trade and investment and maximize the potential of the Philippines–Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Marcos expressed appreciation for South Korea’s support in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as well as its role in reviving the local shipbuilding industry and boosting the country’s participation in the semiconductor value chain.
He also cited Korean-backed infrastructure projects, including the Panguil Bridge in Northern Mindanao, and cooperation in health, agriculture, mechanization, energy, and artificial intelligence.
The President likewise acknowledged Seoul’s protection of the rights and welfare of more than 70,000 Filipinos living and working in South Korea.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements covering defense materials procurement, veterans affairs, agriculture, trade and investment, intellectual property, digital cooperation and innovation, Korean language training in Philippine schools, cultural exchanges, and police cooperation.

Shared commitment to rules-based order

Marcos said he and Lee also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.
“We both recognize the growing uncertainty in geopolitical developments, which is why we agreed on the need to firmly and consistently uphold a rules-based order governed by international law, including in the maritime domain,” he said.
Lee, for his part, thanked the Philippines for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed Seoul’s commitment to expanding cooperation in innovation, infrastructure, maritime and defense engagement, and stronger people-to-people ties.
President Lee is in Manila for a two-day state visit from March 3 to 4, his first since assuming office.
The visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea and follows the recent entry into force of the bilateral free trade agreement between the two countries.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Lee Jae Myung PH-South Korea
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