25 July 2023, Seoul. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri welcomed National Assembly Speaker Kim Jinpyo at the Office of the Senate of the Philippines on 25 July 2023. Both sides discussed the long-standing close relations between the Philippines and Korea, veterans affairs cooperation, active economic development projects, and elevating the ties between our two countries to a strategic partnership.

The Senate President was joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Senator Joel Villanueva, Sen. Win Gatchalian, and Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega during the meeting.

Senate President Zubiri recalled how the Philippines contributed to defending Korea by dispatching soldiers during the Korea War and now numerous Korean companies are doing business in the country and are actively collaborating with the defense industry. He thanked the Korean government for its ODA projects such as those on irrigation, disaster mitigation, agricultural improvement, education development, and energy, and emphasized the strong ties forged between the Philippines and the ROK through its long-standing, enduring, and dynamic partnership.

Senate President Pro Tempore Legarda emphasized the importance of concluding the Strategic Partnership Agreement this year as both countries move towards the milestone 75th anniversary of relations in 2024. She likewise recalled her long-standing work alongside former UN SG Ban Ki-Moon and hoped that PH and ROK could collaborate more on green and sustainable matters.

Ambassador De Vega informed the meeting that the discussions on the Strategic Partnership Agreement are now in the late stages and targeted to reach a satisfactory conclusion this year. END