Philippines, South Korea sign deals on defense, agriculture

MANILA, Philippines, March 4 ------ President Marcos met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit, which saw the signing of 10 agreements on key sectors, including defense, nuclear energy and technology.

The agreements come as both nations vowed to deepen their 77-year-old ties cemented by their common experiences during the Korean War. These include the memoranda of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Information and Communications Technology and South Korea’s Ministry of Science and Information and Communications Technology on digital cooperation; between the Department of Economy, Planning and Development and the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on technology, digitalization and innovation program; cooperation in the field of patriots and veterans affairs between the Department of National Defense and South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; between the Department of Agriculture and the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs on cooperation in the field of agriculture; and Amendment Number 2 to the Implementing Arrangement between the DND and the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration concerning the procurement of certain defense materials.

President Marcos and Lee also witnessed the inking of MOU between the Department of Trade and Industry and South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources on trade, investment and economic cooperation; between the DTI of the Republic of the Philippines and the South Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property for reinforced cooperation in the field of intellectual property; on cooperation on the special program in foreign language in Philippine schools between the Department of Education and South Korea’s Ministry of Education; on cultural cooperation between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; and between the Philippine National Police and the Korean National Police Agency on police cooperation.

Marcos noted that Manila and Seoul’s decades of cordial and productive relations, elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024, span various areas of mutual interest. “We agreed that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals,” he said.

During his bilateral meeting with Lee, Marcos pointed out that the South Korean leader’s visit coincides with the 77th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations. “Our ties were tested by a history of sacrifice now made more dynamic by our common commitment to freedom, peace, and prosperity. The Philippines will always remember how our friendship was forged during the Korean War when we sent our men to fight alongside our people,” he said. “That bond cemented in solidarity during very difficult times continues to guide our strategic partnership.” he added.

Lee called the Philippines “an old friend and a key partner nation to Korea.” “President Marcos and I have agreed to deepen substantial cooperation in areas of trade, infrastructure, and defense industry, as well as expand cooperation in new strategic sectors for growth, such as shipbuilding, nuclear power, and AI (artificial intelligence),” Lee said. “We have also agreed to strengthen substantial cooperation in the field of nuclear power. Building on the results of the feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant resumption and the MOU for cooperation on new nuclear power projects, we will become optimal partners for nuclear power cooperation,” the South Korean president added.

Source: philstar.com