20 February 2023-The Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed their friendly and mutually beneficial ties and discussed ways to further elevate their bilateral cooperation to new heights at the 8th PH-ROK Policy Consultation on 17 February 2023 in Seoul.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro led the Philippine delegation, while the ROK side was headed by 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyundong.

Both sides had in-depth discussions in areas of mutual concern such as defense and security, maritime engagement; trade, investment, energy, nuclear power, infrastructure, science and technology, information and communications technology cooperation, climate change, and people-to-people exchanges with a focus on tourism and consular cooperation.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments including ASEAN-ROK cooperation, the West Philippine Sea, Korean Peninsula, Ukraine crisis, and cooperation in the international and multilateral arena.

Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega enumerated several projects planned in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of PH-ROK diplomatic relations in March 2024 to March 2025. The activities will highlight the major aspects of the relations in many areas.

In pursuing projects and activities under various fields of cooperation, Undersecretary Lazaro said that "not only will we [PH and ROK] walk together, we will run together" towards their common goals and objectives.

The meeting also moved the two countries closer to formalizing the elevation of their bilateral relations into a Strategic Partnership, and provided significant impetus to strengthen and expand cooperation on wide-ranging areas of engagements. The Philippines and Korea will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024.

The PH-ROK Policy Consultations is the main forum for extensive dialogue between the two countries' foreign vice-ministers to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at advancing effective cooperation towards the attainment of common goals and mutually-beneficial interests.

Joining Undersecretary Lazaro as members of the Philippine delegation from Manila were Assistant Secretary Nathaniel B. Imperial, Deputy Undersecretary Hans Mohaimin Siriban, and Director Pamela Durian Bailon.

Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, Commercial Counselor Jose Ma. Dinsay, and Defense Attache Col. Enriqueto Deocadez Jr. of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul also joined as members of the Philippine delegation. END