Manila, March 3 (AseanAll) — Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 3, 2026 said his administration has made “significant strides” in strengthening and deepening the bilateral partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK,South Korea).
Marcos made the statement during a joint press conference with Lee Jae Myung, President of the ROK, who arrived in the country for a State Visit.“We agreed that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation toward the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” Marcos said following a bilateral meeting with President Lee and his delegation at Malacañan Palace.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas in the Philippines-ROK partnership, including defense and security, maritime cooperation, economic and development initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges.President Marcos noted that both sides are working to enhance bilateral trade and investment and expressed optimism about realizing the full potential of the PH-ROK Free Trade Agreement to benefit both nations.
The Chief Executive also acknowledged the ROK’s contributions to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the strengthening of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Marcos also thanked the ROK for its role in reviving the shipbuilding industry and for strategic investments in the semiconductor value chain.
The President expressed appreciation to the ROK as well for its support for infrastructure projects such as the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao.
Additionally, Marcos noted the ROK’s significant contribution to development programs in health, agricultural mechanization, energy, and artificial intelligence, as well as the protection of the rights and welfare of over 70,000 Filipinos living and working in Korea.
Also during the meeting, Marcos exchanged views with President Lee on regional and international issues, including the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula.
The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, particularly in the maritime domain, amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
Lee Jae Myung, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Mrs. Kim Hea Kyung, is in the country for a two-day State Visit.
Lee kicked off his visit to the country by laying a wreath at the monument to the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, at Rizal Park.
President Lee’s visit coincides with the commemoration of the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the ROK, which was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024.
