By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

In commemoration of the 75 years of diplomatic relations, the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) held their 3rd Maritime Dialogue in Incheon on Nov. 11, 2024, marking another significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.  

The Maritime Dialogue was co-chaired by Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez of the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and by Director General Kim Dong-Bae of the ASEAN and Southeast Asian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They were joined by Philippine Ambassador to the ROK Ma. Theresa Dizon-De Vega, and various government officials of the Philippines and the ROK handling maritime concerns.  

Building on the momentum from the recent state visit to the Philippines of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the success of previous dialogues, the Philippines and ROK reviewed progress in various areas of maritime cooperation. 

They also discussed collaboration on maritime security, maritime domain awareness, countering illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine environment protection, and multilateral and regional maritime concerns. They also discussed the process for the transfer to the Philippines of decommissioned vessels from ROK and explored possible port infrastructure cooperation.  

The dialogue reaffirmed both countries’ shared commitment to a free, open and rules based international order, grounded in international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which provides the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and seas must be carried out.  

The Philippines and the ROK affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region, including in the South China Sea. The Philippines called for the exercise of self restraint and pursuing peaceful means to manage differences.  

Both countries reaffirmed their dedication to a future-oriented strategic partnership that will enhance maritime security, promote sustainable economic growth, and protect the marine environment for present and future generations.  

The Philippine delegation was also given a tour of the Korean Coast Guard (KCG) headquarters, the Vessel Tracking System (VTS) station and one of the KCG’s large patrol vessels.  

The Philippines and ROK committed to convene the 4th maritime dialogue in the Philippines in 2025.