Marcos and Lee Strengthen PH–South Korea Ties: Aiming for a New Era of Strategic Partnership
Manila–Seoul Alliance Set for a New Chapter
In a significant diplomatic milestone, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed their commitment to elevate the Philippines–South Korea partnership to “another level.” The two leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, underscoring decades of friendship rooted in shared sacrifice, mutual respect, and growing economic cooperation.
President Lee opened the bilateral meeting with a heartfelt tribute to the Philippines’ historic role in the Korean War, saying that the Korean people would “never forget” the courage of Filipino soldiers who fought for freedom in the early 1950s.
“The people of Korea will never forget the contributions and sacrifices made by the Philippines,” Lee said. “Our two countries have maintained a very close relationship of cooperation and support, and I hope through your visit, we can take that to another level.”
President Marcos, in turn, expressed deep gratitude for South Korea’s friendship, recalling both nations’ shared milestones — from wartime solidarity to modern-day cooperation in defense, trade, and infrastructure development.
Strengthening Strategic and Economic Cooperation
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines–Korea relationship has evolved far beyond historical friendship, now encompassing key areas of national development and regional security.
“From fighting side-by-side during the war to working together on infrastructure, technology, and security — our partnership continues to grow stronger,” he said.
The Philippine leader highlighted the Philippines–Korea Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2023, as a critical foundation for expanding investment and market access. This FTA has opened new doors for both nations — with South Korea remaining one of the Philippines’ top trading partners, particularly in energy, shipbuilding, and digital infrastructure.
The partnership also extends to defense and security, with South Korea providing naval vessels, fighter jets, and technical support for the Philippines’ modernization efforts. These initiatives strengthen the Indo-Pacific’s defense network — a key priority for both nations amid rising regional tensions.
A Shared Vision for a Stable Indo-Pacific
President Marcos expressed optimism about the future of regional diplomacy, particularly as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. He underscored the need for a “rules-based and secure Indo-Pacific” — a principle both countries strongly advocate for in global forums such as APEC and ASEAN.
“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, extending an invitation to President Lee to visit Manila.
President Lee welcomed the gesture, affirming his desire to deepen collaboration in defense modernization, trade liberalization, and digital transformation — sectors that align with both nations’ strategic goals.
Beyond Diplomacy: Building Shared Prosperity
Both leaders also discussed enhancing people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and digital trade, recognizing that collaboration in these sectors can drive inclusive growth.
President Marcos is set to visit the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honor the Filipino soldiers who served during the Korean War — a symbolic reminder of the enduring friendship that continues to evolve into a forward-looking alliance.
This renewed cooperation sets the tone for greater investment, stability, and regional growth — outcomes that could influence broader market dynamics, including forex trading trends involving USD/PHP, KRW/USD, and other Asia-Pacific currency pairs.
As global investors continue to watch regional partnerships like this one, traders learning through platforms such as Global Markets Eruditio (GME Academy) can better understand how international diplomacy and trade policies shape forex market sentiment and currency volatility.
A handshake photo between President Marcos and President Lee during the APEC meeting, with flags of the Philippines and South Korea in the background — symbolizing unity, partnership, and shared progress.
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