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PH AMBASSADOR REINFORCES PH–ROK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN MEETING WITH MOFA DIRECTOR GENERAL

PH Ambassador-designate to the ROK Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez paid a courtesy call on Director-General for Southeast Asian Affairs Lee Donggy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on 13 November 2025, where both officials discussed ongoing efforts to deepen the Philippines–ROK Strategic Partnership.

Seoul, Republic of Korea — PH Ambassador-designate to the ROK Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez paid a courtesy call on Director General for Southeast Asian Affairs Lee Donggy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on 13 November 2025. During the call, both officials discussed ongoing efforts to deepen the Philippines-ROK Strategic Partnership, particularly through strengthened dialogue mechanisms, enhanced maritime cooperation, expanded defense logistics and infrastructure collaboration and closer people-to-people linkages. Ambassador-designate Fernandez and Director General Lee acknowledged the growing value of close coordination among defense, maritime, and law enforcement agencies in addressing emerging security challenges and supporting shared regional priorities. 

Both officials reaffirmed their strong commitment to upholding a rules-based international order as the foundation of regional peace and stability. The two sides underscored the importance of sustained adherence to international law and continued cooperation in promoting a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

The Ambassador-designate and the Director General likewise welcomed progress in official development assistance and economic cooperation, recognizing Korea’s significant role in Philippine infrastructure and development programs. Consular issues and community welfare were also discussed. Director General Lee praised the contributions of Filipinos living and working in the ROK, describing them as “exemplary.” Both sides agreed to continue working closely on consular matters to ensure timely and effective support for Koreans in the Philippines and Filipinos in Korea. 

Looking ahead to 2026, Ambassador-designate Fernandez expressed her commitment to maintaining the momentum of these dialogue mechanisms, aiming to advance the PH-ROK strategic partnership across security, economic, and people-centered priorities.

Both officials emphasized the importance of reactivating and sustaining bilateral dialogue mechanisms to ensure regular communication, effective policy coordination, and smooth implementation of joint initiatives. END

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Bilateral relations Strategic Partnership PH-ROK PHinKorea

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November 17, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR CALLS ON JAPANESE AMBASSADOR IN SEOUL

Seoul, 4 November 2025 — Philippine Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese Fernandez paid a courtesy call on H.E. Koichi Mizushima, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Korea. The two Ambassadors exchanged views on recent APEC engagements in the ROK and efforts to strengthen multilateral cooperation among like-minded partners in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Mizushima also recalled his fond memories of his earlier posting in Manila as a young diplomat. The meeting underscored the warm relations between the Philippines and Japan, and our shared commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity. END

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November 13, 2025
PRESIDENT MARCOS HONORS FILIPINO KOREAN WAR VETERANS AT THE UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA

Busan, Republic of Korea - H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, paid tribute to the valor and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers who served in the Korean War (1950–1953) during a solemn visit to the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea (UNMCK) in Busan on 2 November 2025. President Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, was received by Ambassador SUH Jeong-in, Custodian of the UNMCK. Also in attendance were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office Dave O. Gomez, and Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez. Representing the Government of the Republic of Korea was Minister Kwon Oh-eul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA). At the Philippine marker within the cemetery grounds, President Marcos laid a wreath and offered prayers in honor of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who served under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). The President paid special tribute to the 116 Filipino servicemen who gave their lives in the line of duty, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean and United Nations comrades in defense of peace, freedom, and democracy. The President also visited the Wall of Remembrance, where he read the names of the fallen Filipino PEFTOK heroes, some of whom hailed from his own hometown, before bowing his head in silent reflection. In the UNMCK guest book, President Marcos wrote:“We honour the Filipino soldiers of PEFTOK who valiantly fought and died shoulder-to-shoulder with their Korean comrades for freedom and democracy. Let us honour their legacy with lives that hold these principles still true. Mabuhay!” Following the ceremony, President Marcos and the First Lady participated in a ceremonial tree-planting at the Garden of the Heads of State, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and the lasting peace and solidarity forged through shared sacrifice. The visit reaffirmed the Philippines’ enduring commitment to peace, democracy, and international solidarity. It also underscored the shared history and steadfast friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, forged in the crucible of war and strengthened by a common dedication to peace and prosperity. The Philippines was among the first countries to send troops to the Korean Peninsula in 1950, deploying five battalion combat teams under PEFTOK as part of the United Nations Command. The courage and sacrifice of the 7,420 Filipino soldiers remain a proud testament to the Philippines’ unwavering contribution to global peace and security. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea is the only UN-designated memorial cemetery in the world and serves as the final resting place for over 2,300 soldiers from 14 nations who fought under the UN Command during the Korean War. The Philippines’ participation and continuing remembrance reflect the depth of the two nations’ historical ties and their mutual commitment to the values of democracy and peace. END

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November 11, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR RECEIVES ROK CANDIDATE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, JUDGE JIN HYUN PAIK

SEOUL, 6 November 2025 — Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Judge Jin Hyun Paik, the Republic of Korea’s candidate to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term, during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

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