GYEONGJU, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung described the Philippines and South Korea as “very special friends,” highlighting the Southeast Asian country’s assistance when they were in a national crisis.
Lee made this statement in his opening remarks during a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju.
“The Republic of Korea and the Philippines are very special friends. When we were in a national crisis, the Philippines sent its military to aid us. So the people of Korea will never forget the contributions, dedication, and sacrifices made by the Philippines,” Lee told Marcos in Korean, as translated to English.
“Our two countries have maintained a very close relationship of cooperation and support, and we have mutually helped each other out over the years. But I hope that through your visit, we will be able to take that to another level and have much closer cooperation,” he added.
The Philippines was the first Asian country to send combat troops to the Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950. More than 7,400 officers and men of the Philippine Army served during the war.
For his part, Marcos reaffirmed the strong relationship between the two countries. He also invited Lee to visit the Philippines next year for its hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and related summits.
“Next year, the Philippines will chair the Asean summits, and I see a real opportunity for us to promote a rules-based order, a more secure and more prosperous region,” Marcos said.
Moreover, Marcos congratulated Lee on the successful conduct of the ongoing Leaders’ Meeting.
“And I remember, and I will express once again our deep gratitude for the deep ties that bind our two peoples. From, as you have mentioned, fighting side-by-side during the war, to providing assistance in times of calamities, protecting the rights and welfare of our nationals,” said Marcos.
“We have already reached several milestones, one of which was the bilateral free trade agreement and also our cooperation in areas of defense and security, amongst other key areas of mutual interest,” he also said.
Marcos is currently in Gyeongju for the two-day Apec Leaders’ Meeting and is scheduled to return to Manila on November 2.
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