00:00President Ferdinand and Marcus Jr. further deepen and strengthen the relations between the Philippines and South Korea
00:06following the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to the country.
00:10President Lee arrived yesterday after being invited by President Marcus Jr.
00:15The Korean leader was accompanied by his wife, First Lady Kim He,
00:18who was warmly received by President Marcus and First Lady Lisa Arenata Marcus in Malaganyao.
00:24The visit marks Lee's first trip to the Philippines and his first visit since the free trade agreement
00:28between the Philippines and South Korea took effect on December 31, 2024.
00:33It also coincides with the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which began in 1949.
00:40The two leaders held a series of activities yesterday.
00:43From the arrival honors and signing of the guest book,
00:46a symbol of President Marcus' official welcome and tribute to President Lee,
00:50the two heads of states immediately held a bilateral meeting.
00:53President Marcus highlighted the strong ties between the two countries since the Korean War
00:57and their continuing strategic partnership.
01:00The two leaders also exchanged views on the South China Sea and the situation in the Korean Peninsula,
01:06emphasizing the importance of a rules-based order and adherence to international law.
01:11Our closer defense, security and maritime cooperation reflects our mutual trust
01:16as we respond to a rapidly evolving international security environment.
01:22Our free trade agreement has brought about new opportunities for trade and investment,
01:27the export of bananas and other tropical fruits and jobs for our peoples.
01:31We look forward as well to your continued support for our major infrastructure projects.
01:38Our relations have come a long way.
01:40President Marcus and President Lee witnessed the signing of 10 bilateral agreements.
01:45These cover the strengthening of defense and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
01:50This includes the procurement of equipment that will further boost the capabilities
01:53of the armed forces of the Philippines, or AFP.
01:57The agreements also include strength and cooperation between police agencies.
02:01The two countries also forge partnerships in digital cooperation, technology, innovation, and agriculture.
02:07Agreements on trade, investment, and intellectual property were also signed.
02:12Partnerships in education and culture were also established,
02:15including the Special Program in Foreign Language and Programs for Veterans and National Heroes.
02:21An MOU on cultural cooperation between the National Commission for Culture and the Arts,
02:26or NCCA, of the Republic of the Philippines,
02:29and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the ROC was inked.
02:34The agreements reflect the shared commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation
02:39in security, economy, and people-to-people ties.
02:42We agree that we have made significant strides in advancing and deepening our bilateral cooperation
02:48towards the attainment of our mutually beneficial goals.
02:52We acknowledge the efforts of both sides to enhance bilateral trade and investment,
02:57and we look forward to realizing the full potential of the Philippine Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement
03:04for the benefit of both our peoples.
03:06The activities concluded with a state banquet,
03:09a symbol of the Philippines' high regard for its relations with South Korea.
03:13President Marcos also expressed gratitude for South Korea's support
03:16in the modernization of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard, or PCG.
03:21This includes investments in shipbuilding and the semiconductor industry,
03:25infrastructure projects such as the Pangil Bay Bridge,
03:29and programs in health, agriculture, energy, and artificial intelligence.
03:32The president also highlighted the importance of protecting the welfare
03:36of more than 70,000 Filipinos living in South Korea.
03:40This is Sharm Zespina from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
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