By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
On August 7 in Seoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo during Secretary Manalo's official visit to Korea from August 6 to August 9.
The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of diplomacy and security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges and consular affairs. They also exchanged views on major regional and global issues, including those concerning the Korean Peninsula.
Minister Cho highlighted the strong bond between Korea and the Philippines, saying that the Philippines was the first Southeast Asian country that established diplomatic relations with Korea and the first Asian country that sent troops to Korea -- the largest in Asia, 7,420-strong contingent -- during the Korean War. Minister Cho suggested that the two countries, between which this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, further strengthen their ties and trust.
The two ministers agreed to closely cooperate to elevate the relationship between the two countries this year, reflecting the expanding cooperation especially in future-oriented fields such as the defense industry, maritime affairs, infrastructure, agriculture, development and energy.
Minister Cho stressed the need to step up strategic communication and cooperation between Korea and the Philippines, which are located at critical geopolitical positions in the Indo-Pacific region, for peace and prosperity in the region. Referring to Korean-built frigates’ contribution to the strengthening of the Philippines' military capabilities, he expressed hope for Korean companies’ continued participation in the Philippines' armed forces modernization program. The two ministers agreed to hold in Incheon in November this year the third Korea-Philippines Maritime Dialogue, which has become an important platform for maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The two ministers also agreed to work closely together to ensure the swift ratification and entry into force of the Korea-Philippines FTA, which was signed in September last year, so that benefits of the agreement can be enjoyed by the citizens and businesses of both countries. Citing more than 200 Korean companies’ operations in various sectors in the Philippines, Minister Cho requested attention and support of the Philippine government to ensure that excellent Korean companies participate in the Philippine government’s construction projects for large-scale infrastructure facilities, such as bridges and highways.
Minister Cho mentioned that, in support of the Philippines experiencing rice shortages, Korea plans to donate rice to the country through the ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve platform and to help improve the country’s rice productivity by implementing infrastructure projects such as for multipurpose dams and by mechanizing agriculture.
Secretary Manalo expressed gratitude for Korea's assistance and pledged to actively support the establishment of an industrial complex for Korean agricultural machinery in the Philippines.
Minister Cho also stated that Korea is, in particular, willing to provide assistance in the new demand areas of the Philippines, such as the establishment of a smart public transportation system and the digitalization of the public sector, as the Philippines is Korea’s priority partner country for ODA. He particularly emphasized that Korea will continue development cooperation projects in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao in an effort to support the implementation of the Mindanao peace process. Additionally, Minister Cho highlighted the importance of nuclear power as an essential energy source for a reasonable energy mix and expressed hope that Korea would be the optimal partner for the Philippines in the latter’s nuclear power development.
Minister Cho requested special attention and support of the Philippine government to ensure the safety of Korean nationals, who made up the largest number (1.45 million) of foreign visitors to the Philippines last year, during their travels and stays in the country. He also requested cooperation of the Philippine side in ensuring justice in Korean-involved cases, particularly in relation to a recent appellate court decision regarding a murdered Korean businessman.
The two ministers also exchanged views on major regional and global issues. Minister Cho expressed concern over North Korea's provocations and its illegal military cooperation with Russia threatening peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the region. He highly appreciated the Philippines' firm stance in urging North Korea to cease its provocative actions and adhere to UN Security Council resolutions. He went on to request the Philippines' active role and support in ensuring that the international community, including ASEAN, sends a clear and united message to North Korea.
The two ministers agreed to cooperate on the implementation of Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative (KASI), as well as towards the establishment of a Korea-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) this year, which marks the 35th anniversary of the Korea-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. They also agreed to work closely together for the success of the APEC Summit 2025 in Gyeongju.
