Seoul, 18 July 2025 – Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega paid a farewell call on Ministry of National Defense Director General Lee Kwangsuk on 18 July 2025 at the Ministry of National Defense. 

During their meeting, Director General Lee expressed his sincere appreciation for the Ambassador’s contributions in furthering the Philippines - Republic of Korea strategic partnership. For her part, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega assured the Ministry of Defense of her continued support for more robust PH-ROK defense relations. Both sides likewise recognized achievements made over the last four years during the Ambassador’s tenure, including the upgrade of PH-ROK relations to a Strategic Partnership and major defense cooperation milestones such as the acquisition of major naval assets and fighter aircraft from the ROK. 

The Philippines and the Republic of Korea enjoy a substantive strategic partnership, underpinned by our robust defense cooperation, and shared values upholding peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. 

In recent years, our cooperation has been marked by high-level exchanges, close defense industry cooperation, productive service talks, academic and professional exchanges, and participation in multilateral exercises. The Philippines and the Republic of Korea also pursue joint goals in the regional arena, including in the ASEAN-Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus and the Seoul Defense Dialogue, of which the Philippines is an active participant.  As comrades in arms and now partners for peace and stability, 2025 is likewise an important year for both nations as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. 

Director General Lee Kwangsuk was joined by Director Kim and Deputy Director Lee. Ambassador Dizon De Vega was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Mendoza, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario and Defense Attaché Col. Don Templonuevo. END