By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

“The Philippines and Korea have stood side by side as allies in times of adversity and as partners in progress. The Korea-Philippines partnership has now matured into a strategic partnership grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for a prosperous, sustainable, peaceful, and inclusive future,” said Amb. Theresa Dizon-de Vega of the Philippines in Seoul on June 23, 2025.

Delivering a speech at a reception on the occasion of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence and 76th anniversary of Philippines-Korea Relations held at Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul on June 24, 2025, Amb. Dizon-De Vega said, “The recent signing by our trade ministers in May, at the sidelines of the APEC Trade Ministers' meeting, on an MOU on trade, economic and energy cooperation further supports our economic engagement.”

Commenting that they are testaments to the two countries’ shared commitment to regional growth and security, she said, “Likewise, our defense relations have grown steadily. In fact, I had the honor to witness just two weeks ago in Ulsan the launch of a new Philippine vessel.”

Amb. Dizon-De Vega continued to say, “Korea will host the APEC Summit later this year, where the Philippines will participate actively in navigating regional economic priorities and in 2026, the Philippines will again proudly chair ASEAN, further expanding our role in regional cooperation.”

She added, “As we prepare to share these important summits, our partnership will play an even more vital role in shaping inclusive and resilient regional growth.”

More than 500 distinguished guests, including foreign ambassadors, senior diplomats, high-ranking Korean and foreign government officials, business leaders, and their spouses attended the event filled with great fervor and festivity.

In congratulatory remarks, Kim Hee-sang, Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, said, “As the Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs, I find it especially meaningful that the Korea-Philippines Free trade Agreement entered into force on the last day of 2024, 6 months from its implementation. The FTA is now a solid institutional foundation that has enabled a stronger economic partnership between our two economies.

“Based on this, I look forward to even greater cooperation in areas such as supply chains, infrastructure and renewable energy. Our cooperation also extends to defense and security affairs. Korean companies remained active participants in the Philippine military mobilization program.”

He added, “I wish the best smooth sailing through all waves and storms and hope the two counties will serve as a lasting symbol of our bilateral cooperation.”