President Rodrigo Duterte and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez pose for a photo with the officials from various Korean companies following the exchange of signed business agreements during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum and Luncheon at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea on June 5, 2018. (Malacañang photo)
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — “My official visit to Seoul was meaningful and productive. We are now writing a new chapter of cooperation in the shared history between the Philippines and South Korea.”
This was the general assessment made by President Rodrigo Duterte on his three-day state visit to South Korea and his meeting with President Moon Jae-in.
The President arrived from South Korea visit on Tuesday evening, June 5 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.
Measures were set to strengthen the ties of the two countries, particularly on defense, security, trade, investments, infrastructure development and protection of nationals, Duterte pointed out.
Wider engagements and collaboration in science and technology, renewable energy development, transportation, agriculture, forestry and communications were also part of the agreements signed between the two countries, he added.
Both leaders also agreed to work closely in fighting terrorism, transnational crimes, and piracy at sea.
“To do this, we will count on South Korea as a steady partner in modernizing our key assets in defense, security and law enforcement,” he said.
Duterte reported that more than 20 agreements were signed between business groups from the two countries and projected to generate around $4.8 billion in investments and an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 jobs.
The President was also welcomed by Filipino community in South Korea and assured them that the government is committed to continue to work to advance their interests, protect their well-being and uphold their rights.
Duterte also recognized the joint sacrifices of both countries in defense of freedom and democracy as he looked forward to the landmark 70th anniversary of relations between the two countries next year.
“Indeed, the Republic of Korea is a true friend of the Philippines. And President Moon an even closer ally. Our friendship is reaching a new maturity at even closer as deep and abiding friends,” he said.
“It is reaching on the level of mutual respect for each other, and our relations will only grow stronger in the years to come,” Duterte added. (davaotoday.com)
