Top diplomats of Korea, Philippines agree to work toward elevation of bilateral ties

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with his counterpart of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, ahead of their talks at the foreign ministry in Jongno District, Seoul, Aug. 7. Yonhap

The top diplomats of Korea and the Philippines agreed Wednesday to redouble efforts toward a formal elevation of their bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership" within this year, a commitment shared by the two countries' leaders.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul reaffirmed the commitment to expanding ties during the talks with Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo, Cho's office said.

In March, President Yoon Suk Yeol and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed in letters exchanged to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, to push for an upgrade of the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

In Wednesday's talks, Cho said Korea and the Philippines are two "geopolitically important" countries in the Indo-Pacific, and called for the need to strengthen two-way strategic communication and cooperation to ensure regional peace and prosperity.

"The Philippines is also a vital partner in the context of Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy and the Korea-ASEAN solidarity Initiative, a landmark diplomatic initiative by Korea to strengthen its partnership with ASEAN," Cho said in the opening remarks.

"I'm committed to working with you to open a new chapter by establishing a strategic partnership between Korea and the Philippines in the coming months," Cho said.

Cho, in particular, noted that Korean-made frigates have been contributing to the Philippines' military power, apparently referring to the Jose Rizal-class frigate built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and expressed hope that more Korean companies will continue to be able to take part in Manila's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities.

The ministers also agreed to work together toward an early ratification of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) signed in September last year, and for the pact to go into effect so that the peoples of the two countries can enjoy the benefits of the FTA.

Cho said Korea plans to provide support to the Philippines to help it cope with rice shortages, not only through aid in kind, but also in terms of infrastructure and agricultural modernization.

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to forge diplomatic relations with Korea. It sent the first and largest troop of 7,420 soldiers to Korea when the Korean War broke out in 1950. (Yonhap)