MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte and South Korean President Moon on MOnday agreed to enhance bilateral ties and promote peace and stability in the region.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on Monday, November 25,, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Republic of Korea (Asean-ROK) Commemorative Summit at The Westin Chosun Busan Hotel in Busan, South Korea.
Mr. Moon said the visit of Duterte is meaningful to South Korean’s the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year.
According to Moon, they designated 2019 as the year of mutual exchanges, saying during Duterte’s visit last year “Many cultural exchange events were held in Korea, including concerts, film festivals, and exhibitions. These events have brought the Korean people closer to the Philippines.”
He said the Philippines was the first among ASEAN countries to establish diplomatic relations with Korea and also the first to dispatch troops to fight on our side during the Korean War.
The Korean people love the Philippines. he said “Koreans are the number one visitors to the Philippines while our bilateral trade volume surpassed the 15 billion US dollars mark for the first time last year. Numerous Korean companies are doing business in the Philippines, including in the fields of energy, electricity, electronics, textiles and shipbuilding.”
“Based on our history of friendship and trust, the time is right for our two countries to think about elevating our relations to a strategic partnership. The elevation of our relations will pave the way for our two countries to engage in greater cooperation that will lead us to common prosperity,” he said.
In his speech, Duterte stressed the visit is meaningful as the two countries commemorate to years of meaningful bilateral relations.
According to Duterte, Philippines and the Republic of Korea share a unique affinity”We became blood brothers in 1950s on the altar of freedom. In 1980, the world watched as we waged a parallel struggle for democracy.”
The economies of both countries “Took diverging paths and fortunes. The Republic of Korea rose to become one of Asia’s economic and technological powerhouses. Ours faltered, but with perseverance, the Philippines has since recovered and is now [a] well-performing, emerging economy,” Duterte said.
Duterte explained “The past seven years — decades have witnessed the level of our interaction rise. Our cooperation encompasses various spheres — from trade, investment, and ODA to infrastructure development, defense, science, technology, and agriculture.”
Solidarity and mutual aide have been the hallmark of our ties since 1950., he added “It touches us that this remains so. I thank your government for donating 100,000 US dollars for the earthquake victims in Mindanao last month. Clearly, at no other time in our shared history have the bonds [between] our people this strong. “
In ending his message, Duterte said “I assure you that the Philippines will continue to find common cause and purpose with the Republic of Korea towards enhancing our bilateral engagement and promoting peace and stability in your region.”
Signed agreements
Duterte and Moon also witnessed the signing of three agreements include the Social Security Agreement; Implementation Program of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism Cooperation; and Joint Statement by the ROK and Philippines on the Early Achievement Package of the Negotiations of the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement.
Likewise, the MOU on Cooperation in Fisheries and MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Education are signed on the sidelines of the signing ceremony.
Before their bilateral meeting, Duterte met with officials from various South Korean companies. –RSC/
