Philippines, S Korea agree to upgrade bilateral relations

The foreign ministers of South Korea and the Philippines on Wednesday agreed to redouble efforts toward the official elevation of their bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership" within this year, a commitment shared by the two countries' leaders, according to Yonhap News Agency.

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

In the talks, Cho said South Korea and the Philippines are two "geopolitically important" countries in the Indo-Pacific, and stressed the need to strengthen two-way strategic cooperation to ensure regional peace and prosperity.

The Philippines is also a vital partner in South Korea's Indo-Pacific strategy and the Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, a landmark diplomatic initiative by the latter to strengthen its partnership with ASEAN, he stated.

The South Koream official affirmed commitment to working with the Philippines to open a new chapter by establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries in the coming months. He expressed his hope that more Korean companies will be able to take part in Manila's efforts to bolster its defence capabilities.

The ministers also agreed to work together for the early ratification of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) signed in September last year, so that the people of the two countries can benefit from the pact.

Additionally, Cho said South Korea plans to support the Philippines in coping with rice shortages, not only through aid in kind, but also in terms of infrastructure and agricultural modernisation.

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