August 2024 was a momentous month for Philippines - Republic of Korea relations as Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo undertook his first Official Visit to the Republic of Korea from 6-9 August 2024. This is the first stand-alone visit of a Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary to South Korea in seven (7) years. The visit of SFA Manalo also comes at an auspicious time, as this year marks the 75th anniversary of Philippines - Republic of Korea diplomatic relations.

SFA Manalo met with his counterpart, ROK Foreign Minister Cho Tae Yul on 7 August 2024 where the two foreign ministers looked forward to more elevated ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea to reflect the expansion of our dynamic partnership in future-oriented sectors in defense, maritime cooperation, infrastructure, smart agriculture, development cooperation, energy, and people-to-people ties.

SFA Manalo also met with Prime Minister Han Duck soo where both sides agreed to work closely together on areas of mutual concern, including the welfare of Overseas Filipinos living in the Republic of Korea and next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit which will be hosted in Gyeongju.

ROK counterparts acknowledged the Philippines' valuable contribution as the first Southeast Asian country to form relations with the Republic of Korea and as the first country in Asia to send troops for the Korean War from 1950-1953. The Philippines is also recognized as having sent the most soldiers out of any Asian country with 7,420 troops through the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK). PEFTOK went on to win critical battles during the Korean War which helped paved the way for the freedom and democracy South Korea enjoys today. END