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SFA ENRIQUE MANALO MEETS WITH SOUTH KOREAN PRIME MINISTER HAN DUCK SOO AND FOREIGN MINISTER CHO TAE-YUL

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

Other News

December 03, 2025
PH EMBASSY IN KOREA SUPPORTS 14TH PH-ROK COAST GUARD BILATERAL MEETING, STRENGTHENING MARITIME COOPERATION

Incheon, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 14th Bilateral Meeting between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held in Incheon on 26 November 2025. 

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December 02, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR DELIVERS CONCLUDING LECTURE ON DYNAMISM OF PH-ROK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AT BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

Busan, Republic of Korea – Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez delivered the concluding lecture of a series on Philippines–Republic of Korea (ROK) relations at the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) on 19 November 2025. The event brought together students of the Philippine Studies and International Studies programs, Filipino professors based in southern Seoul, and members of the Filipino community in Busan and surrounding areas.

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December 01, 2025
LAUNCH OF BRP RAJAH LAKANDULA HIGHLIGHTS STRONG PH-ROK DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

Ulsan, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, joined the official launching of the BRP Rajah Lakandula on 20 November 2025 at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, highlighting the expanding strategic and economic significance of the Philippine–Republic of Korea defense partnership, particularly in the area of defense industrial cooperation.  Representing the Philippines in the ceremony were Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay. The Ambassador-designate was also accompanied by officers of the Embassy, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by President/COO of Naval & Medium Size Ship Building Business Unit Joo Wonho. In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability. He also highlighted that the OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security. Designed for long-range and sustained operations, the BRP Rajah Lakandula will support anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster relief, and extended patrols across the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, significantly expanding Philippine maritime security coverage. Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in a ceremonial toast, reaffirmed that defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea is now an essential pillar of bilateral relations. She emphasized that naval modernization not only strengthens the Philippines’ security posture but also stimulates economic activity, facilitates technology partnerships, and supports Filipino workers in the ROK’s shipbuilding sector. In her discussions with HHI leadership, the Ambassador-designate commended the early delivery of Philippine vessels and underscored the importance of worker welfare and sustained defense industrial cooperation. The BRP Rajah Lakandula launch is a tangible example of how strategic defense partnerships can deliver both security capabilities and long-term economic value. The Philippine Embassy will continue to advance these priorities as part of its broader mandate to strengthen PH–ROK strategic partnership in the years ahead. END

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