SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has expressed his strong support for the deepening and expanding partnership between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK) during the state luncheon held Monday in Malacañang in honor of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives highlighted President Yoon’s visit as a significant milestone in Philippine-ROK relations, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties celebrated earlier this year.
“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year, President Yoon’s visit is a milestone that sets the stage for an even closer partnership,” Speaker Romualdez said. “The elevation of our relations to a strategic partnership signals our shared commitment to navigate the increasingly complex global landscape together.”
Speaker Romualdez stressed that the Philippine Congress stands fully united in support of the strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
“Congress is fully committed to nurturing and expanding our dynamic and multifaceted relations with South Korea. This partnership is vital to achieving shared prosperity and mutual growth,” Romualdez said.
The House chief also expressed optimism about the future of the Philippines-ROK partnership as he highlighted the steady progress in defense modernization, economic collaboration and cultural exchange.
“South Korea has long been one of our most reliable partners, not only in terms of trade but also in defense and security. Our nations continue to benefit greatly from this relationship,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The Speaker emphasized South Korea’s critical role in modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its involvement in humanitarian efforts through joint exercises like KAMANDAG.
“South Korea is a trusted defense partner, and their support for our military modernization and the Philippine Coast Guard is crucial to strengthening our national security and territorial integrity,” he said.
He also noted the growing economic cooperation between the two nations, particularly the recent completion of domestic requirements for the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is expected to further enhance trade relations and economic exchanges.
“South Korea remains a key trading partner, and with the FTA, we foresee greater opportunities to expand our trade relations and increase economic exchanges for the benefit of both nations,” he said.
The Speaker likewise acknowledged ROK’s willingness to support infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including a feasibility study for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and emphasized the importance of learning from its experience in utilizing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
“South Korea’s contributions to our development priorities through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund have been invaluable, and we look forward to continued cooperation in areas such as energy and infrastructure,” the Speaker said.
With South Korea consistently ranking as the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists for the past two years, Speaker Romualdez cited the crucial role of people-to-people exchanges in enhancing mutual understanding and fostering stronger cultural bonds between the two nations.
“The strong bond between our people is a cornerstone of our relationship, and we are excited to see this connection flourish further through increased tourism and cultural exchanges,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment, particularly from the legislature, to further strengthening its strategic partnership with South Korea.
“As we move forward, we are confident that the Philippines and South Korea will continue to work closely together, addressing global challenges and building a future of shared progress, peace, and prosperity,” he declared.
In July 2023, then Speaker Kim Jin-Pyo of South Korea’s National Assembly paid a courtesy call on Speaker Romualdez at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, which further strengthened the amity and the spirit of cooperation between the Legislature of both countries.
During the visit, Speaker Romualdez presented House Resolution No. 93, which had been adopted to express solidarity with South Korea on the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
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